New saga to my hip recovery-breast cancer

[Dee Dee]

Hello everyone. Almost one year to the date of my first hip surgery, I found out I have breast cancer. So I am a bilateral hippy and soon to be bilateral booby

 I have 2 tumors in the right breast that looks/acts like invasive ductal carcinoma, but they have Neuroendocrine features which is very rare. Double mastectomy with expanders on June 11.  Probably stage 2(won't know until lymph nodes are checked at surgery) No sign of spreading on the PET scan.  Hormone positive so I am facing chemo and hormone therapy too. Her2 negative so no herceptin.

I told Dr.Gross office and his only precaution for being a hippy was avoid infection!  Since I will be on antibiotics after surgery for several weeks, I should be ok.  The oncologist said make everyone do lots of hand washing when around me. 

So glad my hips are strong even though I continue to be frustrated by some range of motion issues. Certain movements cause sharp limiting pain. Trying to work on strengthening the adductors. Still dealing with the stress reaction in my foot so walking distances has been tabled.  Now I must concentrate on a different healing.  I just wanted to swim in my pool this summer and do gardening.  Both of those are out after this week.  Oncologist does not want me in the dirt.

My hubby and I have a trip planned to Denver next week where he has a convention.  We should have a great getaway before all the surgery stuff.  He has gotten me through a hysterectomy, 2 hip surgeries and now this in 3 short years.  He is a great guy!

I will keep you informed as to how this all turns out.  You all have been a great source and support with the hips.

Blessing,
Dee

[mustang4172]

Dee Dee-

So sorry to hear about this unfortunate turn of events.  I have a close friend and a relative that have had breast cancer surgeries and at 5 years post surgery they are cancer free and as active as ever.

I was just out in Denver and Ft. Collins two weeks ago to attend a college graduation.  I tried my new hips out with some moderate hikes in Rocky Mt. National Park.  I highly recommend a day trip to Estes Park and on into Rocky Mt. if you have the time.  It's a fairly short trip out of Denver.  Indeed it will be a nice getaway and good for the soul before the surgery.  There is still A LOT of snow in the mountains and the scenery is beautiful.

All the best.

[Pat Walter]

Dee

I am so sorry to hear about the cancer.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  You have a great attitude after being through so much.  I know you will beat this and get good use out of those hips in the future.

Good Luck and keep us posted when you can.  We will all send you positive energy and prayers.

Pat

[evant]

Dee

That's a 'kick in the teeth' you definitely could have done without.

However, you've got a great husband, lots of fight, and the surgeon is acting fast - a great combination for the best outcome.

I really wish you the very best of luck for your operation on June 11 and a healthy recovery.

[Dannywayoflife]

Really sorry to hear your news your in my prayers

Danny

[hernanu]

Sorry to hear about another challenge. You know we're here for you, so let us know how it goes.

I've known several survivors who are doing well. Hoping for good things for you.

[Dee Dee]

Update
Denver was truly a mountaintop experience before surgery. 
I had the double mastectomy with reconstruction expanders on Tuesday, then went back into surgery for a hematoma on Wednesday.  I came home on Thursday and immediately started my polar ice machine for swelling and pain. 

I am so thankful that I have the strong hips to support me.  My chest feels like I did 1000 push ups and 1000 pull-ups.  Soooo sore. 

My cancer is gone but the treatment to prevent reoccurrence will start soon. 

Dee

[evant]

Thanks for the post-op update.

Best wishes for your continued recovery and forthcoming treatment

[Pat Walter]

Dee

Thank You for the update.  I wish you the very best.  Great to know the cancer is gone.  Hopefully, you will complete your treatments soon and then get on with an active, normal life.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Pat

[hernanu]

Best of luck, Dee - I'm glad the cancer is gone, keep us updated.

[toby]

Dee,
Your positivity and determination will get you there.
Hugs and best wishes from a UK hip friend.
Toby

[obxpelican]

Dee,

As a Father who has a daughter going through Hodgkin's Lymphoma your post brings back many feelings. As down as you might be feeling right now there is an end to the tunnel although it may seem like a tiny dot of light right now, that dot of light will get larger and larger until you see a very large, warm bright light come into view. 

I hope and pray that that bright light comes very quickly and easily, treatments for all types of cancer has come so far in the last quarter century and I am confident we're going to see a post of yours that is positive and one of remission really soon.

You sound as if you have quite the support system and that is important for sure. Thanks for the update, please keep us all updated.

Sending you lots of good thoughts and bright, warm light.


Chuck

[Spanielsal]

Oh Dee Dee,

praying for a good speedy and pain free recovery.  you are in my thoughts.

Sal

[fenceman]

Hi Dee Dee,  Hope your recovery and treatment go well.  I will pray for you.

Bill

[Dee Dee]

Thanks for the warm thoughts.

I am having typical ups and downs. I suffered a nerve compression in my foot from the sup hose causing tingling in my big toe and aching on the top of my foot (the one that already has the stress reaction).  So that sucks along with with the horibble nerve issues in my underarms from the mastectomy.   My chemo starts as soon as the drains come out, probably in 2 weeks. At least I will be able to enjoy some fireworks and fun over the holiday. I will have 6 rounds of treatment every 3 weeks. Done before Thanksgiving!  and no radiation! Then hormone treatments for several years.

Still so thankful that I am on this ride with my new strong hips!

Dee

[kate71]

Keep up your amazing positivity deedee  good luck with everything - sending lots of hugs to you

[Jon]

Dee Dee:

Thoughts and prayers for you for a complete return to better health...

Jon

[Anna]

How is it all going Dee Dee? Hope you are well 

[Dee Dee]

Thanks for all the well wishes! I am a survivor 

Update,
At 2.5 weeks post op when the surgical tape started coming off,  I found a nasty case of necrosis under each breast.  The plastic surgeon watched it for a week, debrided the black, dead tissue and told me there is nothing I can do now but let it heal. He said he would do everything he could to make it pretty when he puts the implants in and promised I will look good when he gets done.  Super gross, gooey and time consuming to take care of.  I have been on an emotional roller coaster from seeing myself in the mirror each time I change the dressings. 

At 5 weeks past surgery I still have one drain. So no chemo for 2 more weeks until the gaping wounds fill in better and the drain comes out.  Then I will have outpatient surgery to put in a port for the IV and bloodwork.

I am still on antibiotics due to the drain so of course I have an itchy, burning yeast infection that I am treating. 

I also have been having lots of muscle spasms. They were painful at first - think Charlie horse in the boobs.    Now they are more like brackston-hicks contractions- not so painful but quite tiresome because some days they are almost non-stop.  flexeril makes me sleepy/hung over and the other stuff did not help. 

I got a complication from the lymph node removal called cording where scar tissue has formed in a tight cord running from my armpit to my wrist making range of motion limited - but I have started going to an OT lymphodema specialist for that.  She is also helping me do lymph massage so I can avoid lymphodema.

In the middle of all this fun, i fell down a couple steps and severely bent back the toe that has the nerve issues. That joint still hurts some so taking walks has been limited. 

All this and I haven't even started chemo yet!

Good news is I have a terrific husband and wonderful support network. My church just started a bible study/support group for women confronting cancer with faith.  My hips and low back are doing well.  I sleep good, but most nights I am in the recliner.  (Lying on my side is almost impossible  due to the sore muscles and expanders being so uncomfortable.) I can drive and shop and I went back to work part-time.  I have been getting some "vitamin D" therapy sitting by my pool (cant get in due to the drain and wounds) The crepe myrtle trees are so beautiful here and my potted flowers are bright and colorful.  I am grateful to be alive!

Dr. Gross and staff are in the loop and have answered some questions for me.  Avoiding infection is a main concern to protect my hips. 

 I don't come here as often, but I still check in on the topics. My hips are strong, but ROM is not where I want it yet.  Time is a newly defined concept for me!


I know these issues that are making me miserable now will be behind me soon enough. 
But Cancer sucks and so does mastectomy surgery
The hips were easy compared to this recovery.

Blessings,
Dee

[Pat Walter]

Dee

I am glad to hear from you, but sad that you are having so many extra problems.  It is good the hip is working well, one less thing to worry about.

I am sure things will pass and get better, but time is the one thing we can't control.  We just watch it pass by.

I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.