How is the recovery going TraciInLa?
Just wondering how the recovery was going after your bmx? Wanted to let you know I am thinking about you!
Comments
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2 steps forward, 10 steps backsbmly53 said:Traci,
I am wondering, too. Hopefully, you are treating yourself to those froufrou iced coffees the size of your head every now and then just because you are AWESOME! And maybe you have Trader Joe's pumpkin swirl brownies to go with it!
hugs!
Sue
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
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I am very sorryTraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
sending positive thoughts and hugs
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TracilnLa
I am so sorry to here of your set-back! I hope for you that you don't have to have the drains! Praying for you to have complete recovery!
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Oh, Tracimjjones453 said:TracilnLa
I am so sorry to here of your set-back! I hope for you that you don't have to have the drains! Praying for you to have complete recovery!
You don't have to put it into words, I can pretty much imagine how disheartening it would be to be sailing along, ready to go back to work, but instead be sent back to an uncomfortable dependent state. It sounds just awful and I'm truly sorry.
Of course you want to move forward, not back. And no amount of chocolate makes up for it.
I'm sending empathy and big high hopes that you'll -- well, dry up and not need surgery and drains.
xoxo
Victoria
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I am so very sorry to hearTraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
I am so very sorry to hear about the fluid build up. I had severe pain from the moment I woke up that no one realized how bad it was except for my dog, cat, significant other, brian, and my mom. It wasn't until I got a second opinion for help and got a referral to a pain clinic that knew what to do to help me and fully realized the intensity of my pain which turned out to be from nerve damage, which I still have today, four years later (hopefully your fluid build up won't last that long!).
When we post about our upcoming surgeries, I see so often people say, you will do fine, etc etc. Well, there is a percentage of us that do not do fine. We have our own issues and I think those of us that don't have a normal outcome need to speak up and provide information for others, so if it happens to them, they know they aren't alone.
You are very strong and courageous for what you are going through and for speaking out about it, Traci. I hope your body starts working on that fluid soon.
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"Dry up" -- potential new line of Hallmark cards?aisling8 said:Oh, Traci
You don't have to put it into words, I can pretty much imagine how disheartening it would be to be sailing along, ready to go back to work, but instead be sent back to an uncomfortable dependent state. It sounds just awful and I'm truly sorry.
Of course you want to move forward, not back. And no amount of chocolate makes up for it.
I'm sending empathy and big high hopes that you'll -- well, dry up and not need surgery and drains.
xoxo
Victoria
You made me laugh, Victoria, and I needed that. Hallmark should totally come out with a line of greeting cards for post-mastectomy patients: "Sending you big high hopes that you'll dry up."
Love it!
Traci0 -
sorry about thisTraciInLA said:"Dry up" -- potential new line of Hallmark cards?
You made me laugh, Victoria, and I needed that. Hallmark should totally come out with a line of greeting cards for post-mastectomy patients: "Sending you big high hopes that you'll dry up."
Love it!
TraciTraci,
So sorry that this is happening but I agree with cinnamon. It is good to hear all the potential. The quick, good recoveries with no complications and the others. Then other people can hear what is occurring, compare it to their recovery and see similarities. Doesn't take the place of consulting our own doctors but can alert us to a potential problem.
I am so hoping that all this draining will help and that you don't need to have more surgery and drains reinserted but I also know that you will do what you need to do. WHile drinking coffee, eating chocolate and cracking jokes. Victoria was funny with the dry up and you and the "new" Hallmark line made me laugh out loud. My mind went to a whole line of surgery specific cards. I find that humor helps me tremendously to deal with my problems. My best friend is the same.
So here is my attempt at a Hallmark sympathy card.
How dry I am, I hope to see
I don't want new drains in me
Sincerely I hope that this resolves for you. Meanwhile have some treats and then have some more.
Stef
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So sorry Traci!
Ugh, that must be really frustrating! I'm so glad that your surgeon is on top of this but I know even the smallest setback is really disheartening. I'm glad that you spoke up about it, though.
Stef and Victoria, you guys are really hilarious! A sense of humor during these times is really key. Traci, I know you will always maintain your sense of humor so I hope you got a good laugh.
Best,
Clementine0 -
Oh no, TraciClementine_P said:So sorry Traci!
Ugh, that must be really frustrating! I'm so glad that your surgeon is on top of this but I know even the smallest setback is really disheartening. I'm glad that you spoke up about it, though.
Stef and Victoria, you guys are really hilarious! A sense of humor during these times is really key. Traci, I know you will always maintain your sense of humor so I hope you got a good laugh.
Best,
ClementineSorry to hear your news. I can feel your disappointment and hope the problem is resolved soon. I figured you were just busy and back in the daily grind. Thinking of you. Linda
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Chocolate*TraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
Hi Traci..............as I read your post above I was stuffing my mouth with chocolate covered raisins.......by the handful
..... I have always loved chocolate but it was so strange during my Chemo I could not STAND the smell or taste of it............. I am just so sorry for all those set backs you are having and do hope that once your body decides to behave that all will be well....meanwhile... HERE'S TO CHOCOLATE....AND HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY ***0 -
Wow, Traci, so sorry you'reTraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
Wow, Traci, so sorry you're having problems!! I had my DMX on January 15, about two weeks before you had yours. I remember being so jelous when you got your drains out so quick, because my surgeon left mine in for nearly 4 weeks. I've had a little bit of fluid build up that had to be drained, like 30 cc's at my last two followups. I knew that I couldn't have an expander on the radiated side after radiation, but I had no idea that radiation could cause the problems you are having so many years after the fact. Hoping you will not have to have your drains re-inserted. I certainly can feel for you. Hugs.
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Keep up the sense of humorTraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
and eat all the chocolate you want! Victoria and Stef you crack me up also. Really do hope tomorrow will be so light he will forget about new drains! Will stay positve for you!
Hugs,
Carol0 -
Good luck tomorrowlintx said:Oh no, Traci
Sorry to hear your news. I can feel your disappointment and hope the problem is resolved soon. I figured you were just busy and back in the daily grind. Thinking of you. Linda
This seemed like such a well thought out and planned move for you. And I know it was. Here's a whole bunch of good mojo to take with you tomorrow (along with your coffee).
Hugs,
Suzanne
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I've been out of town for a few days!! Fluid flowing freely??Double Whammy said:Good luck tomorrow
This seemed like such a well thought out and planned move for you. And I know it was. Here's a whole bunch of good mojo to take with you tomorrow (along with your coffee).
Hugs,
Suzanne
Truly hard for is breast cancer Warriors to absorb all the data - and side effort that could impact our health during - much less after our chemo or radiation has been completed.. It sucks. But this is LIFE, our Reality.
I am unhappy that you are being drained with the possibility of new tube replacement -/ shoot ..
Hoping for drier Days ahead ..
Vicki Sam
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"ABSORB all the data"VickiSam said:I've been out of town for a few days!! Fluid flowing freely??
Truly hard for is breast cancer Warriors to absorb all the data - and side effort that could impact our health during - much less after our chemo or radiation has been completed.. It sucks. But this is LIFE, our Reality.
I am unhappy that you are being drained with the possibility of new tube replacement -/ shoot ..
Hoping for drier Days ahead ..
Vicki Sam
"Absorb"? Are you trying to make a pun, VickiSam?
Maybe Stef should work that into her Hallmark card!
Traci0 -
Oh, gosh - no!!!TraciInLA said:2 steps forward, 10 steps back
You're all so sweet to ask....I've been hesitant to post anything about my setback, because it's very specific to my own medical history and NOT common, and I don't want to scare anyone who may have surgery in their future. But here goes....
I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts 6 years ago, and all my doctors warned me that the previous radiation was likely to cause problems with healing from a bilateral mastectomy. But I thought I'd dodged a bullet -- 5 weeks after surgery, I was feeling good, and planning to go back to work today. I had a lot of fluid buildup on both sides of my chest, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all, so I wasn't worried.
Then, 10 days ago, I saw my surgeon for my regular followup. He got a look of alarm on his face I've never seen, and said that the fluid had built up so much that one of my incisions looked like it was about to burst. He drained nearly a liter of fluid from both sides combined. I saw him again on Friday, and he drained both sides again -- much less this time, but he's still not happy. Because of all the damage from my previous radiation, my body just isn't taking care of absorbing the fluid on its own.
He wants to drain both sides 1 or 2 more times, but is talking very seriously that I may need to go back into surgery to have the drains reinserted. And he really can't predict how long I might need to have them before my body finally takes over on its own.
I can't put into words how upsetting and frustrating this is. Putting the drains back in would mean taking 10 giant steps backward -- no going anywhere on my own, no driving, and I'll need help with everything again. And for how long? We don't know.
I see my surgeon to have the fluid drained again on Wednesday, and we'll see how things look to him then, but I can already see the fluid building up again just from Friday. So, between now and Wednesday, I'm trying to enjoy my short-lived independence...and more Coffee Bean Iced Blendeds the size of my head than are probably good for me, but at this point I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need all the chocolate I can get....
Traci
This is, indeed, a huge bummer!!! (dammit... sigh)
Frustrating.
Yep, enjoy your freedom while you can, while it's for certain. I'll hope there will be a miraculous turn of events some time between now & your next appointment.
Kind regards, Susan
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A MUCH better visit today!TraciInLA said:"ABSORB all the data"
"Absorb"? Are you trying to make a pun, VickiSam?
Maybe Stef should work that into her Hallmark card!
TraciLadies, I'm feeling SOOO much better right now!
I just got back from seeing my surgeon, and he was SO much more positive than he's been in the last 2 weeks. Even though I do have some fluid, he said the fact that it's very loose and there's very little tension is encouraging -- AND, he didn't even feel it was necessary to drain anything, so no needles today!
At my last 2 visits, he cautioned several times that we might need to reinsert the drains -- now, he's saying it looks like we probably won't have to. He's cautiously optimistic that, by draining at the last 2 visits and taking the pressure off, my body looks like it may be finally, slowly starting to figure this out on its own.
I'll probably have to have both sides drained in his office a few more times over the next 6 weeks or so, but that's VASTLY preferable to going back into surgery and dragging around little plastic aliens attached to me 24/7. I see my surgeon again next Wednesday -- he's gradually extending the time between visits, which is also very encouraging.
And yes -- before you ask -- OF COURSE, I'm sitting here with a celebratory froufrou chocolate coffee drink!
Traci
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