If you have just been diagnosed....

kira1234

Dee,

So sorry the results showed invasive cancer cells.I'll check next week to see how you're doing after the mastectomy.  Did you have SNB done at the same time?  We have done nothing to deserve this.  But we will fight it every way we can.

Karen

FireKracker

HI SISTERS...I JUST HAD A PETSCAN WITH CONTRAST YESTERDAY...DOES THAT MEAN I HAVE DENSE BREASTS...IM STILL IN THE DARK.JUST WENT FOR A 2ND.OPINION.EVERYTHING THE 1ST.DR TOLD ME WAS DIFFERENT.SHOULDA LISTENED AND WENT BEFORE THE 2 OPERATIONS....

LISTEN UP SISTERS...THESE GIRLS KNOW THEIR STUFF.I LISTENED AT THE BEGINING TO ALL THE WRONG PEOPLE...

NOW IM PLAYING THE WAITING GAME ALL OVER AGAIN.PETSCAN,MRI,DENSE BREASTS,INSITU,NODES.MY HEAD IS SPINNING

THANKS FOR LISTENING...GOD BLESS

dlb823

Hi, grannydukes ~ I remember your earlier post -- about being sick from Arimidex.  But what happened in between that post and now?  You've obviously gotten a second opinion.  Is your new doctor doing tests that you didn't have earlier?

As far as second opinions, I also learned that the hard way, which is why I am so adamant about suggesting them.  We all feel so scared and vulnerable and pressured to act in the beginning, and we assume that the doctor(s) we consult always know what's best.  What women don't realize is that there are very few absolutes in breast cancer tx, and often things like ego, limited experience with a procedure (compared to larger institutions), outdated information (compared to doctors who focus their full time and energy on treating bc), and even financial concerns, can influence what a doctor recommends.      Deanna

kira1234

Deanna,

I was just reading your bio after this last message to grannydukes.  You have convinced me.  I am calling a local oncologist that treated my moms cancer to get a second opinion.  I thought going to a well respected cancer center would give me the best options, but after looking at your bio I want another opinion. Mine is also lobular, and there seems to be things in both breasts no one wants to even discuss with me at this time.

Karen

FireKracker

Hi Deanna

if my memory serves me correctly uou were the one who told me to go for a second opinion. My friends with bc thought otherwise.i listened like a jerk.and yes the first dr was big.real big.

i had a very bad reaction from the arimidex with my stomach and he took me off and said stay off for 3 months. thats when i went for the 2nd opinion.

the new dr sent me yesterday for a complete body petscan and both breasts mri.will het the results on tues.

the new dr did say she was surprised he only took out the sentinal node.most drs take out at least 3 nodes.

I think this dr.was all wrong..and i am really upset.All i know is i have bc..

kira1234

grannydukes,

I saw you only had 1 node taken, was it positive for cancer.  My Dr. said if my 1 had been positive more would be taken .  I see you are getting alot of tests now.  I know my BS wanted me to get the pet scan but my insurance refused because all my reports look so positive.  I did have the MRI before the surgery, if I read it right you didn't get that one either.

Karen

FireKracker

Kira.yes it was cancer. he did say more might be taken out later.why later?why didnt he do it while he was there????? every post i see where the node was positive there were at least 3 nodes taken out. all i got was a mamo and it was not done by him.it was done by a dr.who was going to do a needle biopsy but felt it was too close to the nipple so i had to go for the surgery.that was when they found the insitu.i think.im still very confused.he did nothing but cut 2x. now i feel this other dr will want to take more nodes out. all the tests are from the 2nd opinion.AS OF NOW I AM STILL IN THE DARK. waiting for the results on tues.if im lucky.

trueblugem

hi everybody. im pretty new at this, and im quickly approaching my first year after diagnosis. i have had an amazing support group and a very supportive husband.however,my faith is what has gotten me through a lumpectomy last Sept 29th, 5 weeks of rad, and looking at 5 years of tamoxifen. I love reading about all the stories of hope, love and strenght here. you ladies are all amazing. I am glad I finally had the guts to come to this website and read all the amazing stories. God bless..

FireKracker

welcome true blue gem...you came to the right place unfortunately..boy have i learned a lot in the past few months.The only thing i can offer right now is hugs,love,and 24/7 support.The sisters know their stuff and if they dont they will find out...I wish you comfort and a bright sunny future.Come visit and chat.God BLESS YOU.

Mandy1313

Cathy, I am so sorry that you had such an awful experience during your lumpectomy.  It is a shame that your surgeon did not consider using general anesthesia or at the least some IV sedation. 

On the other hand, I am usually a great advocate for local anethesia.  For me,  it is the right anesthesia.  I had my lumpectomy under local anesthesia with no IV sedation.  The sounds of the OR did not bother me and when I felt I needed more lidocaine (the local anesthesia), I just asked for it and got it.  I have had most of my surgeries under local.  Since I have a very negative reaction to general anesthesia, I prefer local. If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.

 Each of us is different and what works for one of us, may not work for others. And Cathy, thank you for bringing up this subject.  I hope you are feeling better now. 

Cyber hugs to all.

Mandy

KeepingtheFaith

LuvRVing   I am having my lumpectomy on Thursday and I honestly hadn't given much thought to the dye injection. I guess I was assuming it would be similar to an IV. Can anyone whose been through this please give us some more information.

Dee1402   YOU sound like the brave one. OMG what you have been through. It makes me feel like my ordeal is not so much after all. God Bless you and I hope things begin to go better for you.

 Mandy1313  You must be very brave to undergo surgeries with only local anesthetic. My biggest problem is fear. When I had my biopsy I was shaking and the dr asked me if he was hurting me, and I said no I am just scared. He asked what I was scared of and I said ...pain. But I was glad that the biopsy was not that bad. I had imagined all the worst.

KeepingtheFaith

Following is the most recent entry in my journal:

Sunday July 18, 2010

It is 4:16am and here I sit unable to sleep. Thoughts of what the future holds grip me and won't let go. I have been told I am brave. No, I am not brave. Bravery is running into a burning building to save someone when you could stay outside, beyond the danger. I have no choice. I must do whatever is required of me so that I can continue to be here for all those whom I love. I want to see my grandchildren grow up, marry and have children of their own. I want to grow very old with my husband. I am scared. I face each new thing with fear and trepidation, but I know I must. I don't feel sick, so everything within me wants to just say, "okay, I'm fine, enough with doctors. I am just going to go on and live my life", but I know I can't. I know that even though I feel well right now, this devil called cancer is inside me and I must do whatever is necessary to kill it; get it out of me. Yes, the treatments frighten me but what would happen if I don't fight this with everything I've got frightens me more. I will fight! And I will win! With the help of my doctors, other medical professionals and most of all God, I will be well and go on to live a long and happy life.

 Deb

debbie6122

Hi Deb, I know you are scared, but you also sound positve in your outlook on what you will be facing, thats good, it helps to get thru all of this, but its also good to vent, kick things, get all your anger out, lord knows i did, i had my crys and fits during my tx- but i also tryed to stay focused most of the time- I know you feel like you are in de-nile which is normal, i still wonder did they make a mistake?? You WILL grow old and see your grandchildren grow-up and have kids.

big warm hugs

Debbie

chrissyb

Hi Deb, plese don't despair and don't let your life be ruled by the fear that this dreadful disease induces. Each day is very prescious and the future holds things unknown for all of us. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to just live in the now and do the best we can in the now. I hope your spirits will be lifted by something that touches your heart but in the meantime, I am sending all the love and support I can muster. ((((((((((((hug))))))))))))) chrissyb

kira1234

Deb,

I know the days of waiting and waiting are very hard.  Like you I want to be there for my kids and my grandkids.   I also want to grow old with my husband.  I was just thinking last night gee I felt just fine had no idea something was growing in me that would have killed me if not found.  I find I am so very greatful for the medical people that found the lump when they did.  Just keep thinking about all the people yoy love and want to spend your old years with.  For me thinking of all those people gives me the strength I need to meet each new challenge I am faced with.

Karen

tryn2staycalm

Deanna -- I never heard of it either.  Thanks for all your posts and caring.  One thing I have learned since this horrid dx is there are so many kind, warm supportive wonderful gals here. 

LuvRVing--Good Luck with your lumpectomy Wed. and yes out out out.  LOL. 

Dee-- Hon, I'm so sorry you had a hard time and then the bad news.  What can I tell you? Be strong? We are here for you?  Wish I had the magical words for you.  Just can tell you you we'll battle together.  We care!

Mandy-- Wow!  Amazing!  Funny how it can work for one person and not for another.  Never thought I was a chicken but maybe when it comes to that I am.  All I know is its NOT for me because I did feel it and it scared me big time!  I was a wreck by the time it ended.  Maybe if they had given me something to relax me so I wasn't so sensitive even?  You are one tuff cookie!   You are the only other one I have heard of having it done that way. 

KeepingtheFaith-- Thank you for sharing that.  I think you said it so well (for all of us).  Thinking of you-- keep up the spirits and keep up the fight!  Brighter days ahead.

Cathy

rachel5738

Thanks to everyone for their posts. I am having my lumpectomy and SNB tomorrow. I spoke to BS and he indicated as well that there may be a need for Axillery Dissection if they see anything. My question--will they say anything to me tomorrow after surgery? Will they give me an indication (nodes looked clear or didn't) or will they wait for pathology? I am guessing they will wait but am curious. I am not terribly nervous about the surgery but I am really anxious for the results. Hope everyone is doing well...cancer sucks.

BarbaraA

Rachel - they test the nodes in the OR then will do the AND if necessary, After, the surgeon will tell you the results of the OR node test.

KeepingtheFaith

I want to thank you all.

debbie6122   Yes, I am scared but I do keep a positive outlook. My fits take place in my journal. That is where I voice my fears.  I don't do it outwardly because I don't want to cause my husband, kids or other loved ones anymore worry than they are already going through.  I find a great release by writing in my journal.

 chrissyb   I thank you for the love and support you sent. I am keeping a positive attitude. I feel that everything will be okay in the end, but every now and then I get that nagging question, What if? Even though everything in me says that it will be okay I can't help but occassionally wonder what if it is worse than expected. I think probably because when my surgeon first told me I had bc he said he thought my lump was the size of a grape, then when I stated it felt larger than that to me he felt it again and said yes, it was larger than he originally thought and he told me he was glad that I mentioned my feelings to him.  But I do have faith in him, and in the Lord and I know that I will be okay.

Kira1234   You are right on target. Thinking of my loved ones is exactly what gives me the strength to face this day by day.

tryn2staycalm    By now, Cathy, you seem like an old friend to me. You are so supportive of everyone on here and I thank you for that. You didn't tell us how you are feeling today. I am hoping that you are feeling much better each day.

 rachel15738  I will thinking of you tomorrow as you have your surgery and saying prayers for you for the best result possible. I think you are right that they will probably wait until they know something for sure before they tell you anything. And you said it so well, yes......CANCER SUCKS!

tryn2staycalm

KeepingtheFaith  I hope you know you made my day .  Doesn't always take a lot to do that, sometimes just a little note like that.  I'm feeling a lot better today ty.  I took off the bandages and just have the steri-strips on which I will soak off in another 8 days.  Very relieved to get the tape off.  I am allergic to the tape and even tho they said it was the non allergic paper tape it still left welts, they are blisters today and they sting more than the insision.  The nurse I know said to put polysporin on them which I did.  I'm sure they will be fine in no time.  I just got up from an hour nap and it helped a lot since I didn't sleep well last night. 

rachel   Sending warm wishes and best possible results.  I agree with Deb, my surgeon told me we had to wait for pathology to know the answers as far as the Lumpectomy.  SNB - I have heard that sometimes they test them while your in the OR.  When my surgeon was thinking of doing mine she did not mention that to me.  Let us know how you made out as soon as your well enough.

Cathy

kira1234

Rachel they will tell you about the SNB after surgery, but it then goes off to the pathologist for more testing.  If it looks positive on the OR they will take more nodes. Keeping good thoughts for the surgery.

Karen

KeepingtheFaith

tryn2staycalm   I am so happy to know that my little note brightened YOUR day, knowing that brightens MINE, so I guess now we both feel a little better.   Deb

Dee1402

Deb and others............if only we could all sit together, have a glass of wine and just look at the positivity surrounding us.  I thank G-d for my family and friends, unbelievable what support I have and my darling daughter.  We need to look at the good, but have time to worry about the current situation and just keep believing that we can loook back at this in a while with a thought for others going through this.  G-d help us all xxxxxxxxxx

KeepingtheFaith

Dee1402   Ah yes, that would be so wonderful.  It is great to get on here and be able to say what is on our mind and have others who know exactly where we are coming from but if we could actually be together in the same room, share tears and fears and love and encouragement. What a blessing that would be. If we could do that, I would give you each a hug, but since we can't here is a cyber hug.  

((((((((((hug))))))))))     Deb 

KeepingtheFaith

Just a quick note to whoever to let you know that I had my pre-op visit today and it went well. I mentioned to the nurse that I was apprehensive about the lymph node injections and she talked to the doctor and he said they would give me some valium before they did that, so now I feel much better about that.  

 Hope you all are having a good day today. Deb

FireKracker

i had the sentinal node removed and waited 10 days for results.now i have to go back because he should have taken at least 3 when he saw the nodes were infected.i was like a raging bull..for weeks.let it all out sista...these girls put up with me every day.I love all of you and my prayer to God is this PLEASE FIND A CURE FOR CANCER. gentle hugs coming from new jersey

FireKracker

i forgot to tell you i went to sleep for the biopsy and i plan to go to sleep again for the next surgery.hey enough with the pain.i felt nothing.and no pain after.

debbie6122

Hi deb, Glad you feel much better knowing they will give you valium, it really does help when i had my biopsy, i took 1 when i woke up and 1 more about an hour before my biopsy, i remember i was even being silly and they were laughing at me, so it really wasnt bad at all-

Grannydukes- Siorry you have to go back and have them do it again, my sentilanl node was positive so she took out 6 more right them, to bad yours didnt so you wouldnt have the unnessary trip of going back again-

hugs to all

Debbie

tryn2staycalm

Grannydukes

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr doesn't that just &**^%$&*.  uh huh!  Its all out sista. Good luck next time!  Keep smilen!  Hugs, Cathy

kira1234

Hi Deb,

So glad they will give you valium before hand.  I have to go back friday to fix up the margins, and my BS is giving me valium before as well. He knows me now, and has become much more proactive. To bad we have to make such a stink about it.

Grannydukes,

You go girl. The first guy was a jurk, he should have taken more the first time.

Karen