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I haven't eaten since Monday & now i'm hungry enough to eat a horse & chase the rider, if only these mouth ulcers weren't so painful! (so much for the bi-carb soda treatment recommended by the cancer clinic! chemo is the pits!)
At least I feel a lot better now than I did, but boy did I sure sweat it out, shakes and fevers, and a sopping wet bed. ((I swear it was perspiration! TRULY!!!))
I can't remember ever having such a raging fever before.
At least I seem to have shaken most of it.
Now if I could clear up my pinky finger, i think it needs a trip to the doctor as it is so red and painful, just from a little cut.
You see, what we don't realise until we actually have a mastectomy is how important our lymph glands are.
They filter the fluid in our system and are critical in our body to fight infection.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4213
So what happens when you have a mastectomy for cancer, you nearly always lose your lymph nodes as a precautionary measure because the cancer spreads to these lymph nodes, and if it gets past them, whammo, you're practically pronounced a death sentence as the cancer can then go anywhere and goes undetected and untreated until it rears its ugly head, by which time it's usually too late.
Anyway, getting back to the removal of lymph nodes, I was warned, "you must be doubly careful about scratches, cuts, insect bites, etc" on your left hand/arm, any of these things won't heal properly.
And yes, I did take it seriously and I was being ultra careful until last week when i reached into the cupboard and sliced my finger open on a knife that has been hanging in that same spot for nearly 5 years.. Ah but I'd never tried to reach into the cupboard while sitting in a wheelchair and trying to squeeze my hand through the minimum space the chair allowed the door to open.
Hence I cut my finger.
No big deal!
Yeah, right.
Normally it wouldn't be, but that was "before mastectomy" ("bm") now "am" my healing properties on my left side have changed.
Now, a little cut that should have healed at least 4 days ago, has turned into the top half of my pinky being red raw, without skin and looks more like a 3rd degree burn instead of a little cut.
The reason I'm sharing this with you all....
If you (heaven forbid) find yourself having a mastectomy and losing your lymph nodes, or you know someone that has had this surgery recently or in the future, remember Meg's Pinky finger as an example to share with your friend as a warning.
At the moment my finger is so bad I would swear I could lose it, so tomorrow I'm off to the doctor before my finger falls off.
In the meantime I hope you are all having a wonderful day, night, morning, afternoon, evening or what ever.
I've just decided to start up the Diamond and sew a bit more of my Xmas Bells. They've been in the hoop so long, I'm sick of the sight of them and can't wait to get on with something else. LOL!!!
Hugs n roses n tons of love, Meganne
Comments (24)
70914✽
by
jacquipaul
13 May 2009
+9✽
So sorry about your pinky; I can't imagine what a situation it must be to worry over each tiny cut. *4u and prayers.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline
1 comment
And I truly hope you never have that worry.
hugs n roses, Meg
hugs n roses, Meg
57801✽
by
edithfarminer
13 May 2009
+9✽
Hi Meganne, following your brave story. Millions of flowers for courage alone.
Keep it up and hope your finger will soon get better.
Keep it up and hope your finger will soon get better.
96286✽
by
dailylaundry
13 May 2009
+8✽
Ouch!! I don't think you mentioned how that pinky feels.....but, I bet it hurts like the dickens!!! I appreciate all your information that you share - I have learned many things I didn't know. Meanwhile, you take care, Meg....let us know what the doctor has to say! Hugs, Laura
211079✽
by
shirlener88
13 May 2009
+9✽
Meg, my dear - I am so sorry you have been so ill and this finger seems to be so painful - that I do hope that you do not put it off - of ocarse you are still and will continue to be in my prayers - enjoy the time that you can spend with your diamond and the bells - can't wait to see them finished, too. Unconditional Love, Shirlene
2 comments
Oh Shirlene, there are so many jump stitches I'm not terribly impressed with them. And of course they did sit in the hoop so long waiting for me to finish them, i'm a bit disappointed with them. I was having trouble with the first thread i used as it kept breaking, now i'm using Madeira and it stitches much better but the white isn't as white as the QA thread, not as shiny either, so there's a noticable difference. At least I'll get them finished now. Thankfully I don't need to use my pinky to machine embroider. LOL!!!
hugs n rose, M
hugs n rose, M
OH no, always something.
25533✽
by
claudenicolas
13 May 2009
+7✽
Dear mebanne, i am sorry for all your pains and your poor fingers. I hope that to day it is better, and that you can enjoy with your embroideries.Hugs and roses, love and hope.Claude *4U
1 comment
Oh Claude, it's only a finger, but added to the other annoying chemo side effects, it's more than i can deal with right now. Tomorrow will be better.
hugs n love, M
hugs n love, M
4290✽
by
debbierussell
13 May 2009
+7✽
Hi Meganne! I haven't been around for quite a while. I'm glad to hear you are alright, & still with your fighting force.Sorry your pinky is so sore it must be throbbing so much,I can just imagine.You explain your ordeal so well,thank you for this information. Keep your chin up & keep smiling.Love , hugs, *** & prayers Debbie
1 comment
Nice to see you back Debbie.
hugs n roses, M
hugs n roses, M
145305✽
Meg, I am so sorry to hear about your aches (pinky) and (hunger) pains. I am so glad your temperature is down and you're contemplating giving your Diamond a work-out. Chemo plays havoc on the immune system, so please take good care of yourself and see a doctor before your pink gets any worse, you've only got two of those, so treat them ever so softly! I really am sorry, but I must admit your sense of humour in describing your mishaps makes me smile - just a little.
Hugs and roses.
Hugs and roses.
1 comment
Good, i'm glad you hear the humour in my posts, they're meant to give everyone a laugh...
They say "laughter is the best medicine" but if that's true, then why do i keep getting sick???
AHA! Lightbulb moment!
So I can keep laughing!!!!
LOL!!!
hnr, M
They say "laughter is the best medicine" but if that's true, then why do i keep getting sick???
AHA! Lightbulb moment!
So I can keep laughing!!!!
LOL!!!
hnr, M
2331✽
OMG! You have given me information I did not know. My Mom (87) just had a masectomy on her right side. I know they say you can't take blood pressure on that side. She had 2 lymph Nodes removed, not all. But I will tell her to be extra careful with that hand...go figure, she's a righty too. I hope everything works out with your pinky. I will say a prayer for you.
2 comments
Can't stress enough how important it is to be careful. Losing 2 may not be as serious, she should speak to her medics, I had 17 removed.
I do hope your Mum is doing well after her surgery, please be very gentle with her as it can be extremely traumatic and very emotional for some women.
Wish her well from me and give her a big, gentle hug, be very careful of her right side as she will be extra sensitive from under the armpit right down to the elbow (possibly) it goes numb there but is still sensitive.
Encourage her to do her arm excerises every day because when everything tightens up, the steel band around the chest can get very painful and only the excercises help relieve it.
Hugs n love, meganne
I do hope your Mum is doing well after her surgery, please be very gentle with her as it can be extremely traumatic and very emotional for some women.
Wish her well from me and give her a big, gentle hug, be very careful of her right side as she will be extra sensitive from under the armpit right down to the elbow (possibly) it goes numb there but is still sensitive.
Encourage her to do her arm excerises every day because when everything tightens up, the steel band around the chest can get very painful and only the excercises help relieve it.
Hugs n love, meganne
Of course I forgot to mention, no more needles in that arm either, that includes blood tests. Have to be so careful.
And the steel band is what I call the tightening of the chest wall, only way to describe it, not at all pleasant, like a vice grip.
HNR, M
And the steel band is what I call the tightening of the chest wall, only way to describe it, not at all pleasant, like a vice grip.
HNR, M
24961✽
Meg, if you do not go to the Dr today with tour finger, I would at least call him and see what he suggest! The infection could spread and cause you more trouble than you need at this time. Believe me, I know! I have been fighting for the last few months trying hard to stay out of the hospital and not end up losing my legs. They have come up with why this has occured again. Poor circulation. The valves in my veins will let the blood flow down but are so weak that it will not open to let the blood flow back up. No Fix for this! When My legs swell then the skin has so much pressure on it that it causes it to become irratated and them it causes a sore place. I have been in the bed running a fever and trying to keep my legs up on pillows so the blood can flow as normal as possible. I feel better this morning than I have in 3 weeks. Going back to Dr today for the 3rd time this week. They are planning on putting me in the hospital today if the 2nd Dr. has not gotten my fever down. I hope it stays down today like it is now until I get out of the Dr's office. I flat refuse to leave my 2 Pekingese alone. My son would take them and look after them if it was not for his wife but she is not an animal person. She has her daughter's Cocker Spaniel and keeps it in a crate on the back porch(covered) all the time. My babies have full run of the house and always have. They are 13 and 4 and the oldest has cancer. When she has bad days she just might mess up something. I clean it up and go on like nothing happened. It would upset her to no end if anything got messed up in her house. Bebe has been with me since the day she was born & I went to Tn. in Oct of 2007 and adopted a terrified Patty at 2 yrs old. Her human mommy had passed away and she was in foster care for 7 months with alot of big dogs. I found her on Petfinders.com and fell in love with her on site. It only took me about a week to get her calmed down and turn her into a snuggle baby! She would bite when she got scared. She only bit 1 time after I brought her home. There is no way I am going to leave them- Bebe could pass away any day and Patty is a loving little angel now like Bebe. I have already found Patty a good home just in case something should happen to me. It is a 30 yr. friend that adores animals just like I do and would be happy to have her in the house. In my adoption agreement I am supposed to return her to Amyzark Adoptions if something happens and I can not look after her but I have made very good friends with Amy and she would respect my wishes to give her to someone I know would look after her.
Trying to get the point across to you! Go to the DR! An infection can get away from you in just a short time! It can get serious! You have enough problems without ending up in the hospital with something that would or could be so simple to someone else! Meg, I feel like a friend even though we only met online. You have helped me through the worst time in my life, when my son had his heart attack at 42. You have given me some very good advice on some of my health problems. Go see or at least call the Dr. and let him know what is going on with you! I just love to read all your upbeat and sometimes even crazy(antics) email! I do not like to hear you say you are sick. It scares me. You are one delightful lady and have been through too much already. The Lord has certainly tested you. It is your time to shine now. You just got some great news! Lets now go backwards in your healing. Believe me something that little(pinkie) can turn into some big problems if you do not stop the infection!!!!! I am trying to scare you because I care. I want to be online the day that you get a complete CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH so I can rejoice with you and thank the Lord for healing you. Someone with your personality and your willingness to help other should be here util you get to be 110! Linda
Trying to get the point across to you! Go to the DR! An infection can get away from you in just a short time! It can get serious! You have enough problems without ending up in the hospital with something that would or could be so simple to someone else! Meg, I feel like a friend even though we only met online. You have helped me through the worst time in my life, when my son had his heart attack at 42. You have given me some very good advice on some of my health problems. Go see or at least call the Dr. and let him know what is going on with you! I just love to read all your upbeat and sometimes even crazy(antics) email! I do not like to hear you say you are sick. It scares me. You are one delightful lady and have been through too much already. The Lord has certainly tested you. It is your time to shine now. You just got some great news! Lets now go backwards in your healing. Believe me something that little(pinkie) can turn into some big problems if you do not stop the infection!!!!! I am trying to scare you because I care. I want to be online the day that you get a complete CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH so I can rejoice with you and thank the Lord for healing you. Someone with your personality and your willingness to help other should be here util you get to be 110! Linda
2 comments
P.S. forget my lame typing and just get my message. Linda heehee
Thank you Linda. I'll definitely get my finger seen to as, all jokes aside, it is quite bad and very painful and i really don't want to risk any more infections than I am currently fighting.
I am so sorry to hear you are suffering so much, I do hope the Dr's can help you without surgery.
It is terrible getting around in a wheelchair and I now have greater respect for how my Dad spent his life, (Polio).
It is so frustrating trying to do even the tiniest of jobs we normally take for granted.
On the other hand, his mother, my Grandmother, ended up losing both her legs at just below the knees (diabetes) and still managed to get around fabulously well with prosthetic legs, she even used to dance with us.
hugs n love, Meg
I am so sorry to hear you are suffering so much, I do hope the Dr's can help you without surgery.
It is terrible getting around in a wheelchair and I now have greater respect for how my Dad spent his life, (Polio).
It is so frustrating trying to do even the tiniest of jobs we normally take for granted.
On the other hand, his mother, my Grandmother, ended up losing both her legs at just below the knees (diabetes) and still managed to get around fabulously well with prosthetic legs, she even used to dance with us.
hugs n love, Meg
11877✽
by
bokkieborduur
13 May 2009
+6✽
HI meg thanks for information, and please let the doctor see to your finger, and what will you do with the rider if you catch him? LOL
Love Marie.
Love Marie.
743327✽
megannne I do hope you (and your finger) feel better soon. And I think it's wise to see the doctor if you think it's not good.thinking of you, take good care hugs, gerry
20088✽
Sure hope you're finger is better soon...I know my dad couldn't wait until all the chemo and radiation was over..he had to stall only once, which was good. I never really thought about the lymph nodes, good info. I guess it's just like my thyroid, don't know until you live it or are told.
3294✽
MEg - I think you need to "heed" the advise for you to see a doctor today. I too don't think you should wait another moment, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pinkie. Take care of yourself, we need you!
8733✽
Meg, in my eyes you will always be beautyfull with or without a pinky finger! Please post your Xmas Bells in the projects room when they're done, I would love to see them. Keep well and keep safe! Hug.
31942✽
I guess I'm going to have to knit you a bubble!!! That way it will keep you safe AND you can just roll over and take a nap whenever you want!!! Hugs, and *'s!!!
12707✽
That's 104 degrees! Please be careful until you get the "all clear" from your doctor, and I hope that's soon. I so enjoy reading your posts, but at the same time, wish I could do something (ANYTHING) to stop this horrible thing that is happening to you. Thank you Meg, for sharing your journey.
1 comment
I never even thought about it in Farenheit, no wonder I was out of it most of the time! And sweating like a sumo wrestler the rest of the time. LOL!! I really can't complain Daisy, I've always felt reasonably healthy until the last five years, except for my body falling apart around me but you can't use it and expect things not to wear out, can you?
hugs n roses, M
hugs n roses, M
1444✽
Dear Meg,I admire you sooooooooo much. May God bless you and give you strength to deal will your trials and tribulations. Hugs, LOVE &*
8321✽
by
memasanders
14 May 2009
+5✽
Hello love hope you feel better you're always in my prayers. God Bless try to have a great day luv ya Ronny
62461✽
I'm sure you have many ups and downs in your situation. So glad you can have such a positive attitude with all you have gone through. We are learning much through your life experiences. Please see the doctor about your finger and be careful. The best to you!
6193✽
Meg, we learned a lot of things with you all the time, to be strong and possitive as you. God bless you and hope you feel better so soon. Love***.
158718✽
Wow, you ARE getting a head start on Christmas! j/k I know they've been waiting for you. I think you'd better get to the doctor, especially with that fever. Please, help Meg get better.......
1 comment
Cute photo.
85867✽
I wish I could just get into the car and come to see you and visit. Not possible with with Au. and USA.,but this website makes it all possible. We are all family on here. The ones who don't care just move on, but the rest of us care about each other. Be careful with that pinky. By the way, my little sweet 100 year old Mother uses Tea Tree Oil on her gums when she had a sore place. She swears by it. My sister gets it at the health food or nutrition store. It is also good for arthritis and cuts.
63126✽
122864✽
Thank you all so much for your concern and suggestions.
I'm still sick as a dog but got out of bed this arvo and went to the doctor and am now on two lots of antibiotics (finger and virus) and eye drops for my eye infection. I'm pleased to say my pinky won't fall off this time. LOL!!!!
Doctor said what i have is a little bit more than flu as flu doesn't usually cause "malaria type" fevers and I don't have the usual body aches and pains other than a razor blade stuck in my throat and a rain-maker dancing a rain dance inside my node. LOL!!!
Anyway, I should start feeling better by Sunday.
In the meantime I decided to stay up and finish those dreaded bells, they don't look too bad now, so i'll soak them and when they dry I'll photograph and post to projects.
Anyway, I'm off back to bed now as it is very late and Ray has come home from his (thankfully) last Double shift, for this period.
Maybe now we'll be able to get back to some sort of normalcy for a little while.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
I'm still sick as a dog but got out of bed this arvo and went to the doctor and am now on two lots of antibiotics (finger and virus) and eye drops for my eye infection. I'm pleased to say my pinky won't fall off this time. LOL!!!!
Doctor said what i have is a little bit more than flu as flu doesn't usually cause "malaria type" fevers and I don't have the usual body aches and pains other than a razor blade stuck in my throat and a rain-maker dancing a rain dance inside my node. LOL!!!
Anyway, I should start feeling better by Sunday.
In the meantime I decided to stay up and finish those dreaded bells, they don't look too bad now, so i'll soak them and when they dry I'll photograph and post to projects.
Anyway, I'm off back to bed now as it is very late and Ray has come home from his (thankfully) last Double shift, for this period.
Maybe now we'll be able to get back to some sort of normalcy for a little while.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
3 comments
so good to read eveything goes better then before.
GET BETTER!
Please, get some rest and get better!