BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 May 10 - 10:21 PM

HOORAY for FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 May 10 - 04:09 AM

"How are you today, Robyn? Sometimes the weariness takes a few days to hit.
SINS"

It's been a week since the op.
The weariness has hit!
Today wasn't so good - I had bother sleeping last night and so got up early but then I started to feel cold so went back to bed for awhile.
Last night the 4 year old grandaughter was playing beside me. She lost her footing and fell against me, her little hand landed just above my cut and I saw stars for some time. We must be more careful.
So I've been taking things easy for a change. Back to the dozing and blobbing in front of the telly (in the bedroom).
Tomorrow will be better!
The Pink Pilates exercises should start next Thursday.
That should help.
Nite all,
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: mouldy
Date: 21 May 10 - 04:45 AM

The effects of anaesthetic can take some time to wear off - it has to clear your system, and you are still in the "post op" period - there's a reason the docs ban you from driving for 6 weeks after major surgery, you know! You just be kind to yourself! You are doing great, but don't get over ambitious, my girl!

Where in NZ are you? My son is in Wellington and I do pop over from time to time, although I may not be over for about a year...depends on what happens with me selling my house this summer (the sooner it sells, the sooner I can plan my next trip).

Listen to your body..it will tell you what it needs.

Andrea x

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 May 10 - 04:49 AM

blobbing & nodding in front of tele is obviously good for you -

keep up the good work.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Gurney
Date: 21 May 10 - 05:38 PM

I suppose you have plenty of music, judging by the family repertoire, but if I can help with anything, just PM me. Chris.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 22 May 10 - 05:02 PM

I went to bed early last night and so far, today is better.
I still have a lump under my arm where the drainage tube was but I have to wait until Tuesday to see the surgeon. If it's still there then he may lance it! Aaarrccchhhhkkkk!
He'll take off the sticking plaster (masking tape) from the cut and I'll be able to see what I look like now. ;
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 May 10 - 08:03 PM

Hey Robyn,

    Thinking of you and hope the stars have faded some. I wish you a day of comfort and lots of love.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 May 10 - 05:48 AM

I have a pic in a book showing a marvellous woman who has a tattoo over her scar - a vine, I think.

It took me forever to find the pic in one of my books & seconds to find Deena Metzger on the www.

About 10 years ago a male friend had heart surgery & was planning to get a similar tattoo over his scar, but I don't think he ever got around to it.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 23 May 10 - 06:53 AM

Wow!
I don't think I'd be brave enough to have a tattoo there!
I have yet to see my scar - it's still under a bandage.
Unveiling on Tuesday, I think.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 May 10 - 08:05 AM

same male friend once stuck one of those sticker tattoos used by kids on his face. It was a small red spiderweb, about thumbnail size & friends thought he'd knocked into something hard & injured himself!

sandra (who would never get a tattoo)

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 25 May 10 - 02:15 AM

Bugger, bugger, bugger!!!
I saw the surgeon, he took the bandages off and was pleased with the healing process. He said it was a good sort of cancer to have – it should respond well to hormone treatment.
What sort of cancer is ever a good sort?????
BUT the lymph node that they took out was sent away to be double checked (it was clear on the day) and the checking process found a few cancer cells.
So I've gotta do it all over again!
NO!!!
They want to remove all the nymph lodes on that side!!!
Just to make sure there's nothing left.
I told him I want to go to Wellington for a folk reunion and he says there's no hurry this time – they can wait until we get back.
So I have to go back in on 17th June, I think.
Then they'll decide if I'll need chemo as well.
Hopefully not, just hormones – I can cope with those.
And I was just beginning to feel normal again.
I am allowed to drive again and I can go back to work if I feel OK but then it's all on again.
Oh sh*t, oh dear!

Sorry for swearing - I don't normally swear.
But I am so annoyed!!!
And I haven't even seen the scar yet - I need to get in front of a mirror but it's time to feed the family.
Later, when I've got some time to myself.....
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 May 10 - 06:44 AM

sh*t, what's wrong with saying bugger? swear as necessary, even throw tantrums if necessary.

my cancer that was removed 15 months ago was a good one - tho it can be malignant & can come back in the same area, but ... So I have quarterly checkups

and my thyroid Dr said if the nodes on my thyroid ever became cancerous, it was (also) a good cancer cos it could be easily removed. And I have annual checkup & biopsy of those nodes, which haven't changed in 2 years.

sending hugs & best wishes

sandra (way back in the 70's a friend apologised for saying "damn" so I said 'Shit, what's wrong with saying damn?')

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 25 May 10 - 07:02 AM

I've checked the scar...
It's ugly!
I'm going to bed.
It was such a good day this morning but it has sure deteriorated as the day progressed.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: mouldy
Date: 25 May 10 - 12:14 PM

Scars always look bad when they are new. They are red, swollen, and most of all, uninvited.
The results weren't as you had hoped, but "they" are not going into panic mode over them, so go to your folk reunion with the intention of having a real good time. (I bet your scar has subsided a bit by then too!)

One of my neighbours had a lump on her neck, which turned out to be a sarcoma. It and the lymph nodes on that side of her neck were removed. Then she had another op to take a little bit more tissue, because they found a couple of ominous dark spots on the inside side of the tumour, and they wanted to be doubly sure. She has gone around for the last year with a neck like Frankenstein's monster (especially after the initial skin graft from her thigh), full of keloid tissue, and not able to turn her neck properly. She went recently for a checkup prior to a reconstructive/neck easing op, and there was a bit they weren't happy about, so she's had to have an MRI scan. They think it's probably just an infection, but that's delayed her surgery further. She's very pragmatic about the whole thing (she's a Yorkshire lass) and just wears very pretty scarves. She has continued to work at a local care home all through it, and when the residents have asked, she has told them.

This is merely to point out that scars are there now, and it's going to be up to you what relationship you decide you are going to have with them. It is still VERY early days, and you have already gone through an awful lot, so just keep on as you are doing - brilliantly - but go easy on the pipes a while longer...

Andrea xx

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 May 10 - 12:57 AM

Today is much better.
I'm getting used to the idea of more surgery, (tho it wasn't too good at 4:30am).
I've just had a phone call from Lorna to say she and Bill Sables are about 2 hours away - with my Mudcat Tee shirt!!!!
Yay!!!
And it's our session night so maybe we can take them to the Rose & Shamrock for dinner and some music.
Anyone else wanna come?
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 May 10 - 07:24 AM

We had a lovely night - dinner at the pub, then music.
Bill didn't have his banjo with him but he managed to borrow a mandolin and joined in as well.
People stayed chatting until well after 10:30pm.
And I have my Tee shirt!!
Bill and Lorna are in the motor camp at the end of our street so we may see them again before they leave in the morning.
Nite all,
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 May 10 - 09:01 AM

Robyn - I have a lovely scar from my navel down to the base of my abdomen. Kendall has one vertically down his chest. If I think about either of them it is with gratitude that they are there because doctors carried out life saving surgery on each of us. If not for those scars we would both probably be dead by now.

Your scar will fade with time and there are now some preparations on the market that can help with the fading, although I haven't actually tried anything myself.

Good luck with the next op, and enjoy your folk gathering.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 May 10 - 09:50 AM

my 15 month old scar is till bright red, & stiff, but neither my surgeon or physio are worried.

My physio keeps telling me it's deep as well as long (over 12") & healing perfectly properly for something just above the fold of my leg.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 May 10 - 11:04 AM

I always said if I ever had to have heart surgery, I would get a zipper tattooed on the scar, but here I am five years later and have not and won't. While it doesn't really hurt unless I've moved in some strange way which tugs at it deep down, it is tenderish right on the vertical scar and I don't think I could sit still for it to be tattooed. If I could, it would be a vine of flowers to connect to the one which dips down around and under my right breast.:-)

As Jacqui said, scars do fade. No one really notices mine any more nor do I. It's troublesome you have to have more surgery, but also, as Jacqui said, that can be lifesaving so we make it through. Maybe think of your scar as a badge of courage, honour, and the life affirming path you have chosen.

Don't forget to pamper yourself, too.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 May 10 - 11:14 AM

Sorry about the the second surgery, Robyn, but glad they found those cells now rather than have them create a more serious problem later.
Scars are signs of wisdom. Cherish them. If nothing else, you have learned how precious and precarious life is.
Heal.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife again
From: Little Robyn
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 07:16 AM

Here we go again!
In about 12 hours time.
The lump under my arm is still tender and I'll be pleased to have it seen to (as long as they don't cut anything important at the same time).
In the last couple of weeks I've developed 'cording' from the lymph nodes down to my elbow. It's like a big rubber band under the skin and if I try to lift my arm, even to do exercises, it pulls. I'm hoping they can sort that one out tomorrow as it really cramps my style.
We went to the folk reunion and had a great time. I even played my pipes while Mitch sang Rosin the Bow.
And tonight was the local session so we did it again, then someone asked for Banks of the Bann, then Jock o' Hazeldene. I haven't played that much for ages.
Time for bed. Forget about tomorrow!
Nite all.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 09:42 AM

sweet dreams! & good results from your surgery

love from sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 10:36 AM

Cording is gross. I had it on my breast, arm and down across my abdomen when I developed a bacterial infection in my lymph nodes. It started with an underarm node. So sorry, Robyn. It will get better.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 06:44 PM

Sending good thoughts from me too

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 08:29 PM

Here we go, here we go, here we go......
See you in a couple of days folks.
I hope to be home on Saturday.
Thank you for all your good wishes.
Robyn O-

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 12:00 AM

Looking forward to your coming home and sharing good news. Thoughts of healing and prosperity in all ways coming your way.

Love and Light,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 12:12 AM

Robyn went into hospital this afternoon about 1.30 and I had a phone call just on 4pm to say she's out and in the recovery room. She'll be in for maybe a couple of nights, like last time. The nurse says it went well, and the surgeon in the pre-op briefing said cording could not be surgically removed, as it's due to scar tissue; however, it will lessen over the next few months with exercise and bio-oil. Just in case you need to know.

Mitch Park

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 06:20 AM

we do!

thanks for the report, Mitch

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 11:01 AM

Glad the procedure went well - Now its just recuperation !

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:03 AM

Little Robyn, heal fast and quickly and thoroughly- and seal the deal with music. As good as music makes one feel mentally and emotionally it's gotta be good physically too.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: GUEST,noreen
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:39 PM

Thinking about you both, Robyn and Mitch.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 06:11 PM

Hi all, I'm back.
It took a bit longer this time - they kept me in an extra night. I had leakage around the drain site but that's stopped now.
No-one warns you the underarm bit is more painful than the boob job - the ache goes from the back, down the shoulder and as far as the wrist. I won't be piping again for awhile.
I'm just waiting for the District nurse to come and look at the dressings. Then I might just have a rest.
See you later.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 04:34 AM

I know leaking drains! My surgeon put in a little drain tube thingy when I had so much fluid around my scar, & did it leak cos I walked out of his surgery with the tube pointing down ...

rest well & play CDs etc until you can play pipes.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 05:00 PM

How long should this drain thing leak?
It's been almost a week and I've still got lots of juice flowing out.
I guess coming out into a bottle is better than staying in my arm but I'm getting fed up with the whole deal.
I fainted yesterday. Luckily Mitch was there to catch me and then help me back to bed.
I'd better not do that today because Mitch is out for the day.
The nurse should come soon and then hopefully the daughter will come about lunch time.
She'll be right mate!
Robyn O-' (That's me - a circle - insert your own dot, a straight line, then a wee cut up the side.)
Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 04:20 AM

the drain thing will leak until all the excess fluid is gone. Did your doctor give any date?

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 05:27 AM

You're doing just great by the sound of it,(and speaking as somebody who has no real first hand knowledge of major surgery).

Every body is a variation on a theme, and will have its own healing rate. Accepting the process, however frustratingly slow, helps your poor cut-up muscles to relax a bit and heal. Frustration will make you tense up. It's scary how the mindset can affect the body!

Anyway, it's winter where you are, so keep nice and warm and all cuddled up! When spring comes, you'll be wearing that Mudcat shirt!

Andrea x

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 05:33 AM

It's over!
The drain came out on Saturday and it seems to have dried up.
I saw the surgeon this afternoon and he said I'm cured!
I'm clear!
No nasty little cancer cells.
No chemo needed.
Even the hormone stuff was my choice.
If I took the hormone pills (Tamoxifen) for the next 5 years, I shouldn't get breast cancer again.
But I could have problems with blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer as well as nausea, tiredness, and other uncomfortable nasty stuff.
Why would I want to go there?
I said NO!
Now, I've just got to get my arm working again.
Physio on Thursday.
Then I can forget all about it and get back to real life.
Wahoo!!!
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:01 AM

YAH!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:02 AM

Congratulations! Enjoy your return to health!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 08:40 AM

:)

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife
From: GUEST,Little Robyn on holiday
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 05:20 AM

I'm still not 100% and I'm not allowed back at work so I've brought the 4 year old Grandaughter with me and we are having a week in Wellington - my home town, staying with my family.
We saw a musical show at Centrepoint in Palmerston North on the way down (Dead Tragic which includes my brother Michael and his wife Emma)
and tomorrow night I hope to go to a concert at the Bluegrass club in Petone, featuring a couple of members of the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band. Paul and Colleen Trenwith are here!
Then on Sunday afternoon my friend Helen is giving a Northumbrian piping concert in Wellington so I'm sure that will lift my spirits.
I haven't been able to play my pipes since I had the second op - I haven't tried strapping the bellows around my ribs, let alone try to squeeze the bag with my arm still playing up.
We'll probably drive home (a 4 hour drive) on Tuesday. I hope Mitch is coping OK without us! We took his car because it's an automatic and mine is manual - I still can't change the gears yet.
Keep up the exercises!
She'll be right mate!
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 07:50 AM

no worries!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 08:11 AM

All good news! Congratulations.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: I'm going under the knife Thurs 13 May
From: Gurney
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:49 PM

Very glad, Robyn. Regards to Mitch. Chris.