Grandma having double mastectomy tomorrow

ljr32

My grandma is having a double mastectomy tomorrow and also all of the lymph nodes in one side and four from the other. Will they be able to tell if they have got it all or will they do other tests afterwards? I'm new to this and i'm so scared, my grandma is like my mother as she brought me up. I don't know how i'm feeling but i know i have to be strong for her! I would be so pleased to hear from anyone who is in the same situation.

Hattie

Hello. This is a scary time for you and your family. My docs told me, no matter what, we can deal with this. I beleive them.

The surgeries get all the cancer that can be removed (that could be every bit of it). Docs also do imaging tests to see if there is anything anywhere else (bone and body scans, PET or CT or CAT scans, ultrasouond). They sometimes do bloodwork. they will get a pathology report about a week about surgery--that tells a lot about the cancer and what treatment would help keep your grandma cancer free. Maybe chemo, radiation, hormonal drugs.

Your grandma will need easy to wear clothes for coming home (slipon shoes, pullon pants, buttonfront shirt). Squishy pillows (the beanbag kind) will feel good under her arms. Get the pain meds today if you can. A lot of women recover really well from surgery. She won't be able to lift stuff or do housework for a while. Feel free to use an answering machine if she is tired of pone calls. Rest is important.

take care,
--Hattie

Anonymous

louise,

Wishing the best for you and your grandmother.

csp

Louise,
Sending prayers to you and Grandma.
Can't add to the good advise Hattie gave you, I just wanted to give you and grandma a cyber {{{hug}}}


Carrie