New to BC, surgery tomorrow, intro

Sounds like the appt went well. Wish he could have offered something for the pain. I don't do well being in pain either and I can't imagine how it must feel having that much tissue removed.

I hope your xrays don't show damage further then what you were already dealing with. One of these days I may go and actually see someone about my chronic back pain I've had for years. I guess I just don't want to find out what I would need to do. I just don't have time.

I so get what you mean about juggling. I can only do so much and right now its for everyone else and my health is showing it...mainly I've put back on weight that I struggled so hard to lose. So frustrating.

Take care and keep us posted.

At the particular Breast Health Center I'm going to, they have a number of different specialists, a number of different modalities, they even offer naturopathic medicine, and acupuncture. I'm never locked into treating with, for example, an oncologist, if I don't feel like I "connect" with him. They're very much into doing whatever it takes for the patient to feel comfortable.

(Except provide pain med, it would seem,...but I don't want to go there, because other than this one incident, I've been very pleased with everyone I've dealt with).

They have pamphlets and business cards, they have a directory of "facilitative medicine" if I want to pursue other modes of healing while I'm doing my traditional medical treatments.

I like that because I feel the more people I have who are keeping an eye on me, the better my chances are of having all those extra eyes, looking at me from different perspectives, to "catch me" if anything starts to look hinky.

I did acupuncture for many years when my back first started giving me problems. I did find that it boils down to finding the right one. They are not all created equal, just like our doctors, I suppose.

So everything from counseling, to if I need help doing things,...they really do cover so many aspects.

I'm seeing a new Pain Management Clinic doc on Friday (took me a while to finally get that appointment), and we'll see what she makes of my CP issues, and if she'll even have anything to say or offer in terms of helping me with this breast pain.

One day at a time,...one situation at a time,....(or I'd go koo-koo!) ;)



M.


EDIT: Thank you for telling me that I seem to be coping well. That's very good for me to hear. I've never dealt with anything like this before, so this is all brand new to me. It makes me feel good to hear that I seem to be doing okay! So thank you for that!

Just got a call from my surgeon's RN.

1) He approved giving me a few days of pain medicine, which I can pick up tomorrow. And that's fine because, as luck would have it (staying traditional to New England), we are being hit with another snow storm right now, and it's much too dangerous for me to go out.

2) I got the path report! NEGATIVE lymph nodes, clean margins, isolated to the tumor. Other tissues came back clean.

3) I see my surgeon Monday at which point I'll meet with one of the oncologists, and we discuss my plan for radiation therapy, as well as the potential of hormone therapy afterwards. (For good measure).


She said, now if we can just manage this pain situation, we'll be all set,...this is very good news!

I agree. I told her after all my orthopedic surgeries, I thought soft tissue surgery would be a cake walk and had no concerns (or very few, let's say) going in, re: my "ability" to handle it. I guess God's just throwing me a curve ball so that I'll remember to be thankful for what I do have (and, for what I do not).

I'll keep posting as things keep going on, and thank you HW for the prayers (see? see? HW has a direct line to the Man Upstairs, I just know it!)

Breathing a big sigh of relief.....



M.

Hi Merrida I have never posted here before, but I have been reading your post here. Wow what good news you got. I'm really glad that you get to pick up those meds tomorrow. I really hope they help that pain.

Please update us on how your appointment goes tomorrow here and in CP, ok? Take care sweetie.

love and hugs
Loretta

Merida, that's the best news you could have hoped for! I'm delighted for you, a good belated Christmas present. Another step closer to putting all this behind you! Now if the pain would just subside, everything would be looking great, hopefully it will over the next few days. I bet your hubby is a very happy man too.

Take care honey

Jane

Merrida,
You put it very well. When men get scared they can't admit it and show it in other ways. The fact that he feels relieved and secure enough to write down his feelings in a public way is wonderful. My husband is a retired Air Force pilot and Colonel. He's used to being in charge and being able to fix whatever issue comes up. Well that didn't work so well this year and he was quite scared. He chose to stick by my side for everything, ask questions, research, and accompany me to every appointment and treatment. He's gotten a bit compulsive at times, but I don't mind. Everyone has to cope in their own way.