Hi I'm new here

I'm so sorry you got diagnosed with this terrible disease. However, you sound like you have a good medical team and support system in place. I know exactly what you mean by wanting the cancer gone. When I was diagnosed I had to do 5 rounds of neo-adjuvant chemo before getting a mastectomy. It was terrible, waiting around for months with the mass still in my chest, having showers every night and feeling it still there (but growing smaller, thank God). It was such a relief when it was gone. Since you have had your surgery, perhaps you can think of yours being gone too basically. Now you just have to get thru the treatment to keep it gone. I think when you get the drains taken out, you will feel much better and have more freedom. Yes, chemo will be unpleasant, but you sound like a fighter and you will beat this. You came to a wonderful place for support, and I look forward to helping you out any way I can along the way. There are always wonderful ladies to ask advice from. Hugs, Anna

Rague said:

One drain in when started adjuvant chemo

I started adjuvant Taxol 3 weeks after UMX and still had 1 drain in.  1 drain had been taken out 2 weeks post surgery with no issue but other was still draining quite a bit but surgeon decided to take it out anyway as his idea was that it might be causing irritation so it was taken out.  Not the best idea as I then developed a large seroma that was still quite visiable on CT scan 15 weeks post UMX - it was still 6cm the day of 12th weekly Taxol the week before I started rads

There is no "One Size Fits All" when it comes to each of us, our DX, our TX plan or our Drs ideas.  In my case, I was older than you (63 at DX) and a different DX - IBC - so different TX plans.

My family wa. very 'there' for me too.  Hubby (of 34 yrs at the time) took over all house chores, cooking and taking care ofof the dogs and my pet bunny;  Son (31 at the time) took over all horse and barn chores so all I had to do was 'figth the Monster' and just do what I felt like doing/wanted to do.  Next mth will be 6 yrs since DXd and I' m still NED (No Evidence of Disease).

 

Winyan The Power Within

Susan

I'm so sorry to read that you have been diagnosed with bc.  I agree with Susan 100% that there is no one size fits all "anything" with this mess.  DR's opinions differ greatly.  We can only tell you our personal experiences.  When I first had the call, I was sure they had the wrong patient!  After I'd absorbed the info, I wanted it out immediately.  I had a bilateral one month later, and it really took that long because of testing and scheduling between surgeon and team of plastic surgeons.  I was having the diep reconstruction in the same surgery.  I'll never forget the tubes!!!  I woke up with them coming out of all sorts of places.  Believe me it is a roller coaster ride with ups and downs daily.  You are very fortunate to have the great support of family and friends.  I know you can get through this journey.  There are many here willing to help you get there.  Hugs, Linda

buellc said:

Thank you Susan and Linda

Your input really helped me. This rollercoaster ride sure is different. Last night was a high point for me. After my last drain my total fluids for the day was 48! I haven't been lower than 60 in 24 days. I'm hoping today I can keep it down so I can get the tube out tomorrow. My Dr said he would take it out after 2 days ith 50ccs or less. I really don't want to put chemo off another week. Any prayers will be greatly appreciated. So today is going to be another day of laying around relaxing. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday.

Welcome to the club no one wants to join. I celebrated my one year of being cancer free a couple weeks ago, had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.

My advice is to not look too far ahead at a time, it just gets overwhelming and running through all the "what if's" is exhausting and futile. Focus on what you have control over right now, accept the help people offer and when someone says "what can I do to help", be ready with specific suggestions.

Will keep you my prayers, stay in touch.

Hi Cari,  I agree with the previous comment.  You seem to have a great family and good support system.  Plus a good attitude.  You will look back eventually and give a sigh of relief when all the treatment is complete and then just the Tamoxifen to take.  It will pass. My tube was two weeks and I hated that part, so yours should be soon.  Once the chemo starts, I honestly had no real problems with it, then you just have to rest, and gently keep moving when you feel you can, build up your strength, eat well when your appetite returns, don't worry too much about the side effects and get your life back.  Anything crops up, just ask here or your 'team'.  Seems like it drags along but in the blink of an eye the years pass after the event.  Good luck.