Surgery Moved.. Too Soon?

Lillie,
That buddy plan for cosmetic surgery sounds like a good deal. I could also stand a tummy tuck since gravity has really been playing havoc with my body with the loss of about 30 lbs. Just don't know if I could face any more surgeries - I've already had more than my share.

Wish we could meet someday - I know that we would be great friends with so much to share.

Love from your "twin sister,
Genie

Hi Mindy,

Hope all continues to go smoothly.

It was great to read yesterday that 2 of your drains remain almost empty (one on each side) and the other 2 remain almost half full.
I will join you in being realistically optimistic for a good final report.

I just added to my original post about surgery something that is very important that
I forgot to include :    Physical Therapy!
This is what I put on the original post:
"At some point post-op, ask your MD for a physical therapy eval. Many physical therapists feel
     everyone who has had a mastectomy (with or without reconstruction) would benefit from a
     physical therapy evaluation.
    see PT info on link:    http://breastfree.org/viewer.php?num=7

With caring and positive thoughts,

Grateful for today..........Judy



                  

Dearest Judy and all ...  You're simply wonderful and have helped immensely!

Here's my most recent update:

Final path isn't in yet, though should be early next week or by the time I go back.   My surgeon doesn't want me to start physical therapy until drains are out.  2 were removed yesterday and the other 2 will be removed next Friday.  Much to my surprise and relief, removal didn't hurt a bit.   My surgeon doesn't like to leave drains in too long for risk of infection, even though I was put on antibiotics after surgery for 14 days.  Removal of those 2 drains have lightened the load tremendously!   Just an FYI:  She removes anything 30 mls or under after a given time.  (the 2 removed were only producing 2-4 mls, very little) The last 2 are around 30 mls or less,  but she wants to give them another week.

I can now resume all antioxidants both in food and supplementation.   I'm already on an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements.  Also taking Vit D-3, calcium and magnesium citrate and try to eat enough alkaline foods.

I've made an appt. with my wonderful primary care doc.   I want to discuss referrals to homeopathic experts in the area, have him test and closely monitor vitamin D levels and talk about going on Metformin based on all the information here.

Thanks to all for your invaluable support and prayers.  You've made this part of the journey so much smoother.

With much love and gratitude!
Mindy




Edited by mindy555 - Mar 31 2012 at 2:42pm

Dear Lillie & Genie!

You two are already great friends!  I DO hope you guys get to meet in person!  You really should!!

Then watch out world!  You two will tear-up the town!  LOL

Love you both

Mindy,

Great news that you are now minus 2 drains and 2 left-just waiting to come out.

By all means, follow your MD recommendation for when is best for that physical therapy eval.
Just a thought......you might want to consider running the question about when is best time for
the eval by both your surgeons.   Guess what?   Surgeons can have different opinions about when
to have a physical therapy eval. Also if you do plan to have the eval, it would be great if you found
a physical therapist with a lot of experience in post mastectomy care. Your local oncologist may
have a list....or maybe the nurse in your local MD's office can research the info.....or maybe
a physical therapist at MD Anderson can refer you to someone in your home area.

Please continue to be good and gentle with yourself as you heal from the surgery.

With caring and positive thoughts,

Grateful for today............Judy

Quoted from thread: Residual disease following neoadjuvant chemo   4/12/12 1:47pm

mindy555 wrote:        It's official... straight from the doctor's mouth... confirmed in "final" path;  pCR~  Negative nodes~ No carcinoma detected~ Period.*Shocked*   Bless my FEC-riddled brain.. I'm still attempting to wrap my head around what I was absolutely NOT expecting..Yesterday was the most joyful, grateful, ever!   Since the last MDA visit nine "daze" ago,  I've been fumbling around in a state of "How Can This Be?"  Interesting.   I could accept the diagnoses back in July '11 with complete confidence... never once asking "why me" -  yet THIS had me totally bamboozled. As I continue blathering on, now in the wrong thread... I write with an untouchable bond like no other between my sisters & brothers here.Mindy

Mindy,

Warm and big hugs to you on your good news.....pCR.
So happy for you.
Pleasant dreams tonight!

With caring and very positive thoughts,

Grateful for today...............Judy

Mindy,

Just love seeing the " pCR " in your signature.
Again, so happy for you.

You are much too kind.
When I first starting reading the forums, I was thrilled to find so much information and so much
sharing.   Since I am about   1   1/2 year post diagnosis, I still have some fairly recent info
and thoughts. Since I am an information person and like to know about important things to
the Nth degree, I wanted to share whatever I could on the forums.   I try to keep in mind that
we are all the same and yet different in many ways.
The way I look at it.........we all wear the 'Informative Goddess" crown whenever we post.
We share our knowledge.....and our questions.........and our support.   
It is a good gift to share..........Knowledge is power.

With caring and positive thoughts,

Grateful for today...............Judy

YAY!!! I'm very happy for you!  Congratulations! 

Lillie- I probably should have written TAH w/BSO - The definition is TAH-BSO: Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (removal of uterus, cervix, both ovaries, both tubes, through an abdominal incision)

I'll find out more when I consult an oncology GYN here.  I want to go for the "full monty" with prophylactic surgery due to  BRCA 1+ status,  my age & peace-of-mind.

TVH is Total Vaginal Hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix through the vagina)

Mindy: