Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know what? I am whining. On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like one step forward and two steps back. I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will suggest for treatment. I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 You shouldn't be in that much pain. I literally no pain what so ever. Didn't even take any pain meds in the hospital but everyone is different. It sound like you are over doing it. You need to listen to your body and rest when you are tired. Let us know what the dr says on Wed. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com This sucks....... This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know what? I am whining. On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like one step forward and two steps back. I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will suggest for treatment. I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.1/611 - Release Date: 12/31/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 What has your doctor said about the swelling? I had a hemotoma that caused a lot of swelling and discomfort. I slept sitting up as I felt like I had a sack of cemment on my chest. Has your surgeon given you and explenation for the swelling? If not call his office. Ruth > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > what? I am whining. > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > one step forward and two steps back. > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > suggest for treatment. > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 Ruth: He told me that the swelling would be going down, but it might take three to six weeks. My upper left arm was swelled today. I hope this isn't lymphodema. My blood pressure has been up and down, too. I still have lots of bruising. My chest area of the mastectomy is extremely tender to the touch. Under the arm where the sentinental lymph node was taken hurts and occasionally it feels like fire. The surgeon said that it did not appears that I do not have any infections. I don't know if the oncologist will be able to tell me anything different or not. Jan K ruthiema36 ruthiema36@...> wrote: What has your doctor said about the swelling? I had a hemotoma that caused a lot of swelling and discomfort. I slept sitting up as I felt like I had a sack of cemment on my chest. Has your surgeon given you and explenation for the swelling? If not call his office. Ruth > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > what? I am whining. > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > one step forward and two steps back. > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > suggest for treatment. > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > Jan Koelsch __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 Jan, The surgeon should be addressing the pain and tenderness. Do you have meds for the pain? I would definitely call his office and ask about the upper arm swelling, especially if it is recent. When are you supposed to see him next? Ruth > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > what? I am whining. > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > suggest for treatment. > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 Hi Jan Are you on any antibiotics? I recently had a lumpectomy - I felt just as you did, as far as more pain than the surgery - I really did not realize that I had an infected until it burst out of the drain tube hole. The area was kinda, sorta red, a bit swollen, but very sensitive. -just something to give thought to. Rose > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 As far as I know, I do not have another appointment to see him. The only thing I am taking for pain is ibuprophen. The upper arm swelling started today. Jan k ruthiema36 ruthiema36@...> wrote: Jan, The surgeon should be addressing the pain and tenderness. Do you have meds for the pain? I would definitely call his office and ask about the upper arm swelling, especially if it is recent. When are you supposed to see him next? Ruth > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > what? I am whining. > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > suggest for treatment. > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 Hi, Rose: Not on any antibiotics at this time. I have lots of bruising yet and lots of tenderness. In the area that the sentinental lymph node was removed I have lots of pain any time I am using my arm and sometimes a burning sensation there. My chest area above the upper flap still has swelling from time to time. I just was not prepared for this much discomfort three weeks from the day that I had the mastectomy. Thanks for your support. Jan K Rose rosemunch@...> wrote: Hi Jan Are you on any antibiotics? I recently had a lumpectomy - I felt just as you did, as far as more pain than the surgery - I really did not realize that I had an infected until it burst out of the drain tube hole. The area was kinda, sorta red, a bit swollen, but very sensitive. -just something to give thought to. Rose > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 Jan, Are you monitoring your temperature? Just in case you are trying to get an infection. The area where my drains were removed is still uncomfortable, and I had my surgery on March 17th. If nerves were severed in your surgical area, it can take a while for the cut ends to settle down. Take care, R. Ruffing Grade 3, Stage IIIA, ER/PR+, HER2 neg, 4.9 cm and 5 nodes positive Chemo and radiation completed 9/28/06 Mastectomy, no reconstruction __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 > > > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy > and I > > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the > second > > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That > area is > > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I > hate > > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't > feel > > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you > know > > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels > like > > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he > will > > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I > had > > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > > _ Hey Jan, I just checked in and read about your pain...I'm hoping you can resolve this asap and be able to look back later and see how strong you are! Until then...Whine on Sister! Sandy from Los Angeles > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 jkoelsch1950 wrote: > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > what? I am whining. I hear ya! I had my surgery (bilateral) probably the same time you did. Last night was pretty bad for me because I could not get comfortable. However, I continue to get a little better each day. Do you have a fever? Does any of the surgery area feel warm or hot to the touch. Call your surgeon for suggestions. Also, I have continued to wear my surgical bra and sports bras. They have helped a lot. I feel nervous not wearing one. I'm having reconstruction, so am also concerned about shifting. Right now I am figuring on wearing sports bras until I am healed from the final recon surgery. When I first had surgery they had me in the surgical bra stuffed with gauze. It was EXTREMELY tight, and very painful. I was told that it helped with healing. My draining went to practically nothing " quickly " (had my drains out after a week). The drain sites were/are the most painful still. -Frances -- -Frances Bartels *** ki0dz@... (((#))) ^ ^ http://www.qsl.net/ki0dz Central Ohio | ^ - ^ Watkins Products www.watkinsonline.com #092389 ------- (o o) Internet ONLY $9.99/mo. **Free accelerator** |ooOoo| >{ | }< http://continue.to/internet ------- RRR)* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 Jan, my surgeon told him to call him IMMEDIATELY if I had any swelling, and that I would need to take antibiotics immediately. I'm sure you don't want to bother him, but I think you should call ASAP. PS. Love your niece's comment. True > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 I also had my lymph nodes removed - I blame that on all of the pain I had, since the lumpectomy seemed to be a vacation in caparision. I still have a little discomfort under my arm. I'm sorry you are going through this, it's bad enough the whole cancer thing had to pop up in our lifes, the after surgery care could stand to be a bit more easy. I have to go on Jan. 13 for a reincision. I'm hoping to have a clean margin, otherwise it is off to a mastecomy.... goody gumdrops. Take care and do yourself a favor and call your dr. just to make sure that all of your experiences are normal and ease your mind a bit. Rose > > > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy > and I > > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the > second > > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That > area is > > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I > hate > > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't > feel > > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you > know > > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels > like > > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he > will > > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I > had > > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > > __________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 Dear Jan, Whine away. I'll join you. First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 hi ladies, seems to me some of us get through the rads just fine , i was one that was very tired, and yes i had some stabbing in my lumpectomy area, i took mulit vitimins due to the fact that my health is not the best, and it has taken me a good couple of mths to feel like nearly back to normal( whatever that is) i live in australia i used the creams the hosptial gave me, applied it 3 times day, plus when my breast became a bit red and swollen i used a cabbage leaf, this is an old thing used in the old days for nursing mothers, and it sure helped cool me down in the rads area. It has been 6mths since my op and sometimes i still get a few mild stabs, have been told my doc this is normal, but i must say dont overdue the arm if you have had lymph nodes removed, this take a bit more time to heal,.take care sandy in oz mitchellst@...> wrote: Dear Jan, Whine away. I'll join you. First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 , Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Please be sure to let the dr know. You will be in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: This sucks....... Dear Jan, Whine away. I'll join you. First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 here's a smile for both of you, hope you both feel better soon and whining is okay I don't mind Lori Re: This sucks....... Dear Jan, Whine away. I'll join you. First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Thanks, , for the suggestion. I have been running a low grade temp since surgery. I do have home health coming in 5 days a week-3 days of home health aide/bath aide and also two days of home health nurse. They are also monitoring my blood pressure which is going up and down, too. I have a lot of swelling, too. Will check with my doctor tomorrow and also see the oncologist tomorrow at noon. Jan k jennifer ruffing blainejennifer@...> wrote: Jan, Are you monitoring your temperature? Just in case you are trying to get an infection. The area where my drains were removed is still uncomfortable, and I had my surgery on March 17th. If nerves were severed in your surgical area, it can take a while for the cut ends to settle down. Take care, R. Ruffing Grade 3, Stage IIIA, ER/PR+, HER2 neg, 4.9 cm and 5 nodes positive Chemo and radiation completed 9/28/06 Mastectomy, no reconstruction __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Thanks. I will. Jan K racker84 racker84@...> wrote: Jan, my surgeon told him to call him IMMEDIATELY if I had any swelling, and that I would need to take antibiotics immediately. I'm sure you don't want to bother him, but I think you should call ASAP. PS. Love your niece's comment. True > > > > > > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > > > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > > > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > > > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > > > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > > > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > > > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > > > what? I am whining. > > > > > > On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like > > > one step forward and two steps back. > > > > > > I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will > > > suggest for treatment. > > > > > > I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. > > > > > > My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had > > > surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Hi,: I have not had radiation or chemo as yet. I will find out tomorrow what treatment will be. In the initial consultation with my oncologist, he said that radiation literally cooks the area being treated. That must be extremely painful. I have come to realize that everyone's experience is different even though the treatment might be the same. I will pray a special prayer for you tonight in the hopes that you get relief. Thanks for whining with me. jan k mitchellst@...> wrote: Dear Jan, Whine away. I'll join you. First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Hi Sandy, I had 36 radiation treatments for my DCIS in winter 2004. I had my treatment between 7 and 8 AM. I would then come home and go to bed. I spent more time lying down during those 7 weeks than anything else. I did not have pain that I could attribute to the radiation (at least I do not think so) but I have intermittent pain even now. I discussed this with my gynecologist--I am not being treated by an oncologist--and he said with or without breast cancer or breast cancer surgery, breast pain and tenderness is the #1 complaint among women. The fatigue lasted quite a while. When it lifted, I could not focus on the memory of actually how tired I was at the time. I hope you feel better soon! Carol 1 -- In breastcancer2 , sandy lawson wrote: > > hi ladies, > seems to me some of us get through the rads just fine , i was one that was very tired, and yes i had some stabbing in my lumpectomy area, i took mulit vitimins due to the fact that my health is not the best, and it has taken me a good couple of mths to feel like nearly back to normal( whatever that is) i live in australia i used the creams the hosptial gave me, applied it 3 times day, plus when my breast became a bit red and swollen i used a cabbage leaf, this is an old thing used in the old days for nursing mothers, and it sure helped cool me down in the rads area. > It has been 6mths since my op and sometimes i still get a few mild stabs, have been told my doc this is normal, but i must say dont overdue the arm if you have had lymph nodes removed, this take a bit more time to heal,.take care sandy in oz > wrote: > Dear Jan, > > Whine away. I'll join you. > > First of all, thank you to all the wonderful women out there who have replied and listened to my posts. Bc really IS something that you can't understand until you've been through it. > > My whining has to do with radiation ..... have my last treatment TOMORROW. WHOOPEE!! Problem is, I've spent the last three days in bed in major pain - shooting, stabbing pains in the " narrowed field " (read: lumpectomy area) that they are currently treating. I don't know what happened. Maybe I did too much on Friday (I did touch the vacuum, ha ha.) All I know is that I woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. in pain and haven't been able to get it under control until late today. All I've done is taken pain meds (vicodin and Aleve), put ice packs on the area (numb is nice , and drifted in and out of sleep for 3 days. Yuck! > > But I am up now and praying that I feel stronger tomorrow as the kids have the day off from school and hubby goes back to work. sigh. > > I am sooooo hoping that I feel better soon. Anyone got any heartening experiences similiar to mine? > > Thanks - and hope you feel better soon Jan. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Francis - I found that it helped a lot to sleep on two pillows, with a pillow under each arm. Even though I don't usually sleep on my back, that helped enough so that I could at least get a little rest. My lumpectomy was also 3 weeks ago, but the only thing that bothers me is it feels like I have a lot of swelling still under my arm where they took the nodes, and that doesn't really hurt, its just annoying. I was really sore, because I had a pacemaker that had to be moved from the right to the left side so they can do radiation and that was done the week before the lumpectomy. I've gotten to the point now, where I can sleep on my side again, and it's heaven. Re: This sucks....... jkoelsch1950 wrote: > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > what? I am whining. I hear ya! I had my surgery (bilateral) probably the same time you did. Last night was pretty bad for me because I could not get comfortable. However, I continue to get a little better each day. Do you have a fever? Does any of the surgery area feel warm or hot to the touch. Call your surgeon for suggestions. Also, I have continued to wear my surgical bra and sports bras. They have helped a lot. I feel nervous not wearing one. I'm having reconstruction, so am also concerned about shifting. Right now I am figuring on wearing sports bras until I am healed from the final recon surgery. When I first had surgery they had me in the surgical bra stuffed with gauze. It was EXTREMELY tight, and very painful. I was told that it helped with healing. My draining went to practically nothing " quickly " (had my drains out after a week). The drain sites were/are the most painful still. -Frances -- -Frances Bartels *** ki0dz@... (((#))) ^ ^ http://www.qsl.net/ki0dz Central Ohio | ^ - ^ Watkins Products www.watkinsonline.com #092389 ------- (o o) Internet ONLY $9.99/mo. **Free accelerator** |ooOoo| >{ | }< http://continue.to/internet ------- RRR)* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 -Frances: I just came from the oncologist. He said that the size of the incision he was not surprised that I was having the amount of pain or soreness or swelling. He said it will go away in time. I am going to contact my regular doctor, however, because I am running a low grade temperature (below 97°) for the past week. I think it feels like a bladder infection. So we will see. They sent me home with a bra and a fiberfilled thing but no one offered to help me with it or to know what the proper fit would be. The surgeon said it was an option to wear it. I guess maybe I should have looked at the option closer. Nice to know that I am not alone in this, too. Thanks. jan k -Frances Bartels ki0dz@...> wrote: jkoelsch1950 wrote: > This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I > have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second > week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is > really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate > sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel > like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also > uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know > what? I am whining. I hear ya! I had my surgery (bilateral) probably the same time you did. Last night was pretty bad for me because I could not get comfortable. However, I continue to get a little better each day. Do you have a fever? Does any of the surgery area feel warm or hot to the touch. Call your surgeon for suggestions. Also, I have continued to wear my surgical bra and sports bras. They have helped a lot. I feel nervous not wearing one. I'm having reconstruction, so am also concerned about shifting. Right now I am figuring on wearing sports bras until I am healed from the final recon surgery. When I first had surgery they had me in the surgical bra stuffed with gauze. It was EXTREMELY tight, and very painful. I was told that it helped with healing. My draining went to practically nothing " quickly " (had my drains out after a week). The drain sites were/are the most painful still. -Frances -- -Frances Bartels *** ki0dz@... (((#))) ^ ^ http://www.qsl.net/ki0dz Central Ohio | ^ - ^ Watkins Products www.watkinsonline.com #092389 ------- (o o) Internet ONLY $9.99/mo. **Free accelerator** |ooOoo| >{ | }< http://continue.to/internet ------- RRR)* Jan Koelsch __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Call your doctor girl and let him know how you are feeling. After my tubes were removed I had some fluid build up. Everything is still swollen and irritated and sometimes the fluid doesn't drain or the body isn't absorbing the fluid properly. I was put on antibiotics and was told to put warm compresses on the sight where I was having problems. But before you do anything you should call your doctor. jkoelsch1950 jkoelsch1950@...> wrote: This is the end of the third week since I had the mastectomy and I have hurt more and felt worse than I did after surgery and the second week. The drainage tube was taken out this past week. That area is really sore. I cannot get comfortable to sleep at night. I hate sitting around in the daytime but my chest is sore so I don't feel like doing a whole lot. I have lot of swelling which is also uncomfortable. I know this sounds like I am whining. And, you know what? I am whining. On the day that I feel good, I guess I overdo it. This feels like one step forward and two steps back. I see the oncologist on Wednesday and am wondering what he will suggest for treatment. I feel just good enough to feel up to par most of the time. My great niece who is nine years old, when I told her why I had surgery said, " That sucks! " She is right. It does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 When I came home from the hospital after my operation they gave me a small pillow to put under my arm because I had so many lymph nodes taken out...I still have the pillow...It really helped. someone makes the pillows... Cat... Note: forwarded message attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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