Guest guest Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 , It is very possible that the videos you watched were " dated " - I had double mastectomy, plus 23 nodes removed on left side in June of 2004. There are many new programs out that dispel the " myths " associated with that " dreadful " experience called mastectomy so many thought years ago. I literally do everything I used to do and I do believe it's from " using " the arm, starting about 2 weeks after surgery. There are many new exercise programs available for " us, " - and the general consensus is exercise keeps us healthy after BC. I started with a personal trainer about 4 months ago - 2x a week. I was able to " press " 35 lbs.w/one of the arm machines by working up slowly. Swelling wasn't an issue, because I started SLOW (3 lbs.) and we worked up to it. If you chose to " baby " that arm the rest of your life, and never put the effort into improving it, that of course is your choice. Just remember atttitude is everything, even when it comes to helping yourself to regain most of your mobility. If you'd like more information about the programs available to " us - those in that category called BC (I call it BEYOND cancer), just ask and I'll be happy to send them to you. Don't get in that rut. It isn't all doom and gloom. Pick yourself up, and realize that although it takes WORK on your part, you can have a life after surgery and treatment, and it is what YOU make it. I had (4) drains, and I could have put myself in a dark " hole " after all that, but I chose to be stronger than it and you can to. The only example you have to set is for yourself...show yourself how wonderfully you can recover and realize all of that is temporary. Sometimes the fear of not knowing what to expect can lead us to shut-down all the positives you should be feeling...You're here...that's No. 1 and we're here, to help you through this, one step at a time. Best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 , It is very possible that the videos you watched were " dated " - I had double mastectomy, plus 23 nodes removed on left side in June of 2004. There are many new programs out that dispel the " myths " associated with that " dreadful " experience called mastectomy so many thought years ago. I literally do everything I used to do and I do believe it's from " using " the arm, starting about 2 weeks after surgery. There are many new exercise programs available for " us, " - and the general consensus is exercise keeps us healthy after BC. I started with a personal trainer about 4 months ago - 2x a week. I was able to " press " 35 lbs.w/one of the arm machines by working up slowly. Swelling wasn't an issue, because I started SLOW (3 lbs.) and we worked up to it. If you chose to " baby " that arm the rest of your life, and never put the effort into improving it, that of course is your choice. Just remember atttitude is everything, even when it comes to helping yourself to regain most of your mobility. If you'd like more information about the programs available to " us - those in that category called BC (I call it BEYOND cancer), just ask and I'll be happy to send them to you. Don't get in that rut. It isn't all doom and gloom. Pick yourself up, and realize that although it takes WORK on your part, you can have a life after surgery and treatment, and it is what YOU make it. I had (4) drains, and I could have put myself in a dark " hole " after all that, but I chose to be stronger than it and you can to. The only example you have to set is for yourself...show yourself how wonderfully you can recover and realize all of that is temporary. Sometimes the fear of not knowing what to expect can lead us to shut-down all the positives you should be feeling...You're here...that's No. 1 and we're here, to help you through this, one step at a time. Best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 , I guess I missed your diagnoses. When they did your biopsy on the nodes how many where found with bad cells? They just took my sentinel ones out and one bad one from them. my surgeon wanted to take 2/3 more out I told him I wanted to get opinions from my oncoloygst and from another doctor who was an internist,,,The both said there was no need to take anymore out that the Chemo and radiation I would take will take care of anything that might be left. So needless to say I did not have anymore removed!!! I want use of my arm!!!! _____ From: breastcancer2 [mailto:breastcancer2 ] On Behalf Of sewmary28 Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:38 PM To: breastcancer2 Subject: recovery from surgery I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she says I will be a cripple. I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the program that they offer and the way they are treating their patients. Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY SANE. in Denver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 , I guess I missed your diagnoses. When they did your biopsy on the nodes how many where found with bad cells? They just took my sentinel ones out and one bad one from them. my surgeon wanted to take 2/3 more out I told him I wanted to get opinions from my oncoloygst and from another doctor who was an internist,,,The both said there was no need to take anymore out that the Chemo and radiation I would take will take care of anything that might be left. So needless to say I did not have anymore removed!!! I want use of my arm!!!! _____ From: breastcancer2 [mailto:breastcancer2 ] On Behalf Of sewmary28 Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:38 PM To: breastcancer2 Subject: recovery from surgery I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she says I will be a cripple. I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the program that they offer and the way they are treating their patients. Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY SANE. in Denver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 , You should mention this to your doctors. They may not have thought of it from that view how could they. I had a similar thing recently when my mom had total knee replacement. They pretty much had her scared to go to the rehab hospital said that the risk of infection there was higher than going home. While it is true the risk was very slight. I did talk to the person in charge of the program and she explained why they do it (don't want people coming in planning to go into rehab) she did understand my view also. My arm was a bit stiff but I had no real problem but the exercises did help. They were easy for me to do. Just take it a day at a time. SharonB sewmary28 wrote: I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she says I will be a cripple. I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the program that they offer and the way they are treating their patients. Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY SANE. in Denver --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 I had my surgery in 1990. Back then they took 23 nodes. I had one bad one. I started the exercises the day I went home and after a few days was able to get my arm almost over my head. It was about another week and I had full motion with that side. You do have to be careful about not lifting with that arm, wear a thimble wehn sewing, do NOT get any blood taken from that side or blood pressure. If you would like a list I might have a url somewhere with the do's and don'ts. Remember everyone is different.You won't be crippled if you don't follow the instructions exactly. I didn't do the one where you put the rope over the door a lot. I mostly did the crawl the wall one. PLEASE don't cancel your surgery because of this video. You will be in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com CinDWood Crafts http://www.cindwoodcrafts.com recovery from surgery I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she says I will be a cripple. I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the program that they offer and the way they are treating their patients. Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY SANE. in Denver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 , that's so interesting! I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery last Monday. They initially thought the nodes were clear. One came back (after IHC staining) with micro-cells and the surgeon wanted to take out an additional level of nodes (which I had surgery for last Friday). I called my oncologist too and the concensus was that further dissection was the standard protocol/way to go. I thought I had read that the chemo and radiation would take care of it too. Anyway, I'm not sorry that I went forward with the surgery as I'm healing fine and my range of motion is improving every day. I need to get working on the 2 exercises that my surgeon gave me (after I asked!!!) to get back to full mobility over time. Does anyone know of a good website or further info. on additional exercises to work on for arm mobility? I want to make sure I do everything possible to heal properly. Thanks, Janet B. > > , I guess I missed your diagnoses. When they did your biopsy on the > nodes how many where found with bad cells? > > > > They just took my sentinel ones out and one bad one from them. my surgeon > wanted to take 2/3 more out I told him I wanted to get opinions from my > oncoloygst and from another doctor who was an internist,,,The both said > there was no need to take anymore out that the Chemo and radiation I would > take will take care of anything that might be left. So needless to say I > did not have anymore removed!!! I want use of my arm!!!! > > > > _____ > > From: breastcancer2 [mailto:breastcancer2 ] > On Behalf Of sewmary28 > Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:38 PM > To: breastcancer2 > Subject: recovery from surgery > > > > I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today > explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing > was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the > exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after > surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited > motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it > really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion > in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do > know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so > pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she > says I will be a cripple. > I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful > that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I > realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs > are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in > preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am > very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I > cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while > I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the > program that they offer and the way they are treating their > patients. > > Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but > somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and > hope at the end of the tunnel. > THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY > SANE. > > in Denver > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Janet Take it slow. Don't over do it. Sometimes if you get in to big of a hurry you can set yourself back. I would keep up with the exercises your doctor has given you and as soon as he gives the okay go to a physical therapist the specializes in breast cancer. Most I have found are wonderful and caring. good luck tt lilahope777 wrote: , that's so interesting! I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery last Monday. They initially thought the nodes were clear. One came back (after IHC staining) with micro-cells and the surgeon wanted to take out an additional level of nodes (which I had surgery for last Friday). I called my oncologist too and the concensus was that further dissection was the standard protocol/way to go. I thought I had read that the chemo and radiation would take care of it too. Anyway, I'm not sorry that I went forward with the surgery as I'm healing fine and my range of motion is improving every day. I need to get working on the 2 exercises that my surgeon gave me (after I asked!!!) to get back to full mobility over time. Does anyone know of a good website or further info. on additional exercises to work on for arm mobility? I want to make sure I do everything possible to heal properly. Thanks, Janet B. > > , I guess I missed your diagnoses. When they did your biopsy on the > nodes how many where found with bad cells? > > > > They just took my sentinel ones out and one bad one from them. my surgeon > wanted to take 2/3 more out I told him I wanted to get opinions from my > oncoloygst and from another doctor who was an internist,,,The both said > there was no need to take anymore out that the Chemo and radiation I would > take will take care of anything that might be left. So needless to say I > did not have anymore removed!!! I want use of my arm!!!! > > > > _____ > > From: breastcancer2 [mailto:breastcancer2 ] > On Behalf Of sewmary28 > Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:38 PM > To: breastcancer2 > Subject: recovery from surgery > > > > I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today > explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing > was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the > exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after > surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited > motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it > really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of motion > in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do > know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so > pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way she > says I will be a cripple. > I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful > that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I > realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my docs > are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in > preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am > very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I > cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and while > I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the > program that they offer and the way they are treating their > patients. > > Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but > somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and > hope at the end of the tunnel. > THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY > SANE. > > in Denver > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 I had a rad. mas. and lymph node removal. The drs are required to give you this info so as to cover their butts. So you can't say you were not aware- The drains are yuky but not too terrible. I asked, and my onc arranged for a visiting nurse to help me deal with the drains. She visited me everyday for a week. She taught my sister to care for my drains and they were removed after two weeks. I understand this varies from peeson to person. By my 6 week check up I could lift my arm over my head. I followed the exercise program my surgeon gave me. I occassionally have problems with lymphedema but it is not bad because I deal with it as soon as it rears its ugly self. Hold your arm over your head and gently stroke your arm from fingertips to your pit. this is supposed to help move the excess liquid to the rest of your body. It works for me. I haven't posted for a long time but this group has been in my mind lately so I decided to check in- I am a 7 yr survivor. I have not had reconstruction, because I have other health issues that make optional surgery out of the question. Em > > > > , I guess I missed your diagnoses. When they did your biopsy > on the > > nodes how many where found with bad cells? > > > > > > > > They just took my sentinel ones out and one bad one from them. my > surgeon > > wanted to take 2/3 more out I told him I wanted to get opinions > from my > > oncoloygst and from another doctor who was an internist,,,The both > said > > there was no need to take anymore out that the Chemo and radiation > I would > > take will take care of anything that might be left. So needless > to say I > > did not have anymore removed!!! I want use of my arm!!!! > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > From: breastcancer2 > [mailto:breastcancer2 ] > > On Behalf Of sewmary28 > > Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:38 PM > > To: breastcancer2 > > Subject: recovery from surgery > > > > > > > > I just sat and watched the two videos my drs gave me today > > explaining my surgery and recovery and all they succeeded in doing > > was scare me. Between the pessamistic sounding drain and the > > exercises that seem as though I cannot even move my arm after > > surgery I am really scared. I know that I will have some limited > > motion in my arm after the lymph nodes are removed but does it > > really take weeks or months to have somewhat normal range of > motion > > in the arm? I was a physical education major in college so I do > > know about the importance of exercise and this video sounds so > > pessamistic and that if I don't do the exercises exactly the way > she > > says I will be a cripple. > > I understand that there will be damage but this sounds so awful > > that I am not so sure that I even want to have the surgery. I > > realize that is just my fear talking but I really feel that my > docs > > are doing more harm than good in what they are telling me in > > preperation for the surgery. My tumor is small and sometimes I am > > very hopefull but after the docs get to me I feel so hopeless. I > > cannot change docs because the insurance I have is an HMO and > while > > I can change the person doing the surgery I cannot change the > > program that they offer and the way they are treating their > > patients. > > > > Forgive me for both the long and sad and frightened post but > > somehow I just need a little reassurance that there is light and > > hope at the end of the tunnel. > > THANKS! YOUR RESPONSES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME SLIGHTLY > > SANE. > > > > in Denver > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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