If you have just been diagnosed....
Comments
-
rachel- I was told the void where the lump was taken fills with fluid at first. I also heard someone talk of the swish. I myself have not heard it with mine.. still have the steri-strips covering the incision but no outer bandage. I am sure it goes away on its own and is normal from what I've heard from others.
Cathy
-
Thanks Cathy--I just removed the outer bandage tonight still have all the steristrips there on boob area and underneath armpit-for first shower since surgery. The swish comes and goes--especially with walking--honestly, the things that we have to go through.... Thanks for your help.
-
rachel - your very welcome - anytime! I usually shower but since surgery I have bathed in the tub, easier to keep the strips dry - I have to keep mine on as long as possible as diabetics are slower to heal. Yes, each thing we go through the closer we get to being well again!
Cathy
-
debbie.the dr told me he took out the sentinel node but when i read the path report it was the axillery node.but it was the only one he took out..and it was c.i still dont understand why he only took out the 1 node but i am still doing my research.thanks and GOD BLESS
-
FYI GIRLS I DONT REMEMBER WHICH THREAD POSTED THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE NODES FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES.IT IS VERY INTERESTING.IF ANYONE WANTS TO READ IT PLEASE SEND ME A PM WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND IT TO YOU
ILL BE AWAY FOR A FEW DAYS BUT WILL HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER..
STAY POSITIVE.KEEP THE FAITH AND GOD BLESS
I LOVE MY SISTAS
K
-
Grannydukes- Have you talked about getting a second opinion? Also there is some discussion on some sites that say that the sentinal node USUSALLY will catch the cancer cells from leaking into the rest of the lymph nodes, which is a good thing. I would prefer to think thats the case. Have a good time away from home
Rose- So sorry you have to deal with this, Deanna gave you and Jenisin great advice just wanted to send ((((((hugs)))))))) your way.
Cathy- Im doing much better, thank-you (smiles) im about 7 mos or so from last chemo, my hair is growing back nicely, used to be long blonde and straight then it came back dark and curly, didnt like it at first but now it is turning blonde again and starting to straighten out. Yes it was a tough road but doable, the hardest part for me was watching my daughter go threw it too. Im feeling better than i did even before chemo now, and so will all of you- warm hugs to all
-
debbie6122 - Your story is exactly what all of our sistas need to hear! You HAVE been there and you HAVE came through it feeling better than before! I'm so glad for you and you are a great role model for us. I bet it was very hard for your daughter but I'm guessing your even closer now. Thanks for sharing and keep it up!
Cathy
-
debbie ~ My previously straight hair also came in so dark and curly after chemo that my DH said it reminded him of a baby buffalo. My last chemo was 10/08, and by now my hair is totally straight and almost-shoulder length. In fact, I had it done yesterday, and we got the very last bit of curl off the ends, so it's totally straight again. I'd also bought a wig that I liked the color of so much (a much warmer golden brown than my previously dark blond), that I've kept that color with my own hair now. If not for chemo, I never would have discovered how much better this warmer color is on me. Deanna
(My current avatar was taken last October, exactly one yr. post chemo & I had not had a hair cut up to that point.)
-
hi debbie
in my case the sentinal node did not pick up anything.i have invasive c there.the 2nd.opinion wants to take the axillary nodeS all out.i am gonna go for a 3rd. i wont stop until i hear what i am comfortable with.take tehm out leave them in.hey these drs should all get thir Fuc/??*N acts together..everyday there is a diff.article on the nodes.im goin away to shut off my brain but i will come on here for my sanity...lol
I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT MY SISTAS
GOD BLESS
K
-
Hi GrannyDukes and all you sistas!
Your thinking is right on. I had only two sentinal nodes out even though one of them was positive for cancer. But just so we are on the same page, the axillary nodes and the sentinal node are the same. The sentinal node is the axillary node to which the tumor drained---a dye is put in near the tumor and the doctors trace the dye from the tumor to one or two nodes and that is where the tumor likely would have spread. They look at those few nodes to see if the cancer has spread and they call them the "sentinal nodes." I was not sure whether your sentinal node had or had not shown some small microscopic cancer.
In the past, the doctors took all of the axillary lymph nodes out to see if the cancer had spread. But then a test was developed where they took out only the sentinal node and looked to that to see if the cancer had spread. Until recently, even with the ability to find the sentinal nodes, if you had even one positive lymph node, they went back in and took all of the lymph nodes out of your axilla (arm pit) to see how many positive lymph nodes you had. The thought was that if you had cancer in more lymph nodes then you wanted to take them out and get that cancer out of your body. But more recently some of the larger cancer cancers such as MD Anderson and Dana Farber started looking at the problems women who lost all of their lymph nodes had with lymphedema and even with just numbness and pain. Like the New York Times article, these centers found that it was not helpful to cancer survival to remove all of the lymph nodes in the procedure that they call an axillary completion or axillary dissection.
I was lucky enough to have consulted at one of those centers because in 2008, my cancer center, one of the top ten in the US, wanted to take all of my lymph nodes out. In fact, even after I had the recommendation from the other cancer center that I did not need to have my lymph nodes out, my doctors wanted me to have them out. But, my treatment was not going to change in terms of chemotherapy so I read alot and decided that I would just have my 2 sentinal nodes out and did not consent to having more out. I had the additional precaution of having the axilla radiated when I had my breast radiated because in the study that the consulting doctor was looking at, they had done radiation. I am not certain whether the New York Times article is suggesting the radiation to the remaining lymph nodes or not. But you are not off track trying to get this information from the doctors. Bring in the article when you consult and ask why this would not apply to you. I did that numerous times during my treatment with different articles--there was one study my doctor had not heard of. She did research on it and said that I had been right. All the best.
Cyber hugs to all,
Mandy
-
First I want to thank you all for your support. It really helps to know there are so many soldiers fighting the battle with you. I will tell you about my surgery later but first
Rose6/Lynda It is scary and we've all been there but take comfort in the knowledge that we are there with you in spirit and are praying for the best outcome. It is good that your medical network has the classes, you should definitely take advantage of those. My surgery was yesterday and though it was not fun I got through it and now ready to go on to the next plan of action.
Jenlsm You aren't alone anymore. You have all of us here who are ready to listen to your fears, calm your nerves and support you in any way we can. All you have to do is reach out and we will be there for you. I have found unlimited support on this group and it is great to have other women who are going through the same thing or who have already gone through it, to talk to.
-
First I want to thank you all for your support. It really helps to know there are so many soldiers fighting the battle with you. I will tell you about my surgery later but first
Rose6/Lynda It is scary and we've all been there but take comfort in the knowledge that we are there with you in spirit and are praying for the best outcome. It is good that your medical network has the classes, you should definitely take advantage of those. My surgery was yesterday and though it was not fun I got through it and now ready to go on to the next plan of action.
Jenlsm You aren't alone anymore. You have all of us here who are ready to listen to your fears, calm your nerves and support you in any way we can. All you have to do is reach out and we will be there for you. I have found unlimited support on this group and it is great to have other women who are going through the same thing or who have already gone through it, to talk to.
-
Diagnosed with IDC on July 5th, Surgery on July 19th, will be meeting with Oncologist on July 27th. I don't have results of nodes at this time but when I met with surgeon for results of biopsy--he did mention chemo/radiation at that point. When I got the call from Oncologist--took my breath away--even though I expected it---seems different when it actually happens....arrrgghhh.
-
Now about my surgery. First had the sentinal node injection. They did give me the valium but it was still quite painful. The injection itself wasn't to bad but it really hurt when the radioactive subtance was injected. The good news is it didn't hurt for long. Each injection just hurt for a short time right after it was injected and that had subsided by the time the next one came.
Then they took me in for the wire localization placement. Had a bit of a scare there when he said it was larger than he thought and might have to do a mastectomy. He said he would try the lumpectomy but might have to do more later. I didn't have to have the wires put in though as he said he didn't think he would have any trouble locating it.
Woke up from surgery and felt a little nauseous from the anesthesia. No vomiting or anything just kinda woozy. It passed fairly soon. After surgery doctor said he felt confident that he had gotten it all and looked like he had good margins so now he is thinking probably no more surgery will be needed.
I got home about 2:30 pm and slept almost nonstop until 10 this morning, getting up only to go to the bathroom and answer an email or two, then back to bed. I don't have alot of pain. I do have good pain meds though. I have only had to take 3 of them though so think I am doing okay. This was the big hurdle I wanted to get over and now I am over it. Now just wait for path and start of rad. I go back to the doctor next Thursday.
Hope you are all feeling good this evening and feeling positive. We are going to get through this.
Oh yes, I guess I am a lucky one. I don't think I have had one friend or family member who has turned tail and run. I am getting cards, emails and phone calls from everyone to see how I am doing and if they can do anything for me. I tell them just keep praying. And I can't say this is all bad because I have made some wonderful new friends.
-
Hi Thanks to Debbie, Deb and Cathy for adressing some of my concerns and giving me cyber HUGS!
back ATCHA {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} to all of you. And Rachel you are a brave trooper just having surgery. Hope you are recuperating well. and that you have help from friends and family.This has really been an invaluable place for me to share and encourage others. Question, do most docs use steri sstrips or dissolvable stiches after lumpectomies? And can you shower gently after a few days? There has been a lot of difference of opinion on this one, ie: spnge bathes, bathes...I have a back problem and cant take a bath
The other thing that I am desperately looking for is when they take out the sentinel node it sounds as tho you have to wait some period of time for the results? Is this true? I thought the pathologist knows right away so they can take out more nodes if necessary.
Well I am off to my small church group, I lead music worship there with my boyfriend. We will go see a movie tomoro then have some dinner and hear some good music....its good to stay busy...while I wait for the insurance to kick in
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, thanks so much for being there for me.
-
Deb I didnt want to forget you and the fact that you just had surgery too! I am glad that you have help and a lot of well wishers, that makes all the difference in the world...yes get that rest and maybe soon back to some walking or light excercise. My doc said she wanted me to be out walking the neighborhood 2 days later! LOL
-
Lynda, My doctor told me I could shower, I just chose to take a bath so I don't get my incisions too wet. I'm sure you will be able to carefully shower. As for the steri strips or dissolvable stitches I don't know. I still have my bandage on. But I hear alot about steri strips so I'm thinking that is very common.
As for the sentinal node I think sometimes they can tell immediately but if they can't see it immediately you still can't be sure until the path comes back because I am sure it is not always easy to tell.
My surgery was done by a general surgeon too and not a breast surgeon so that may make some difference as well.
-
Cathy, thanks for your kind words. but there are so many woman on here that have gone through so much more, more chemos, rads, tx etc.. and the stageIV woamn who offer so much support and love when they are going through so much,so when i feel really down and scard i think about how they are so brave, every ones battle is hard no matter what and it is ours to own, and it is hard no matter what,,but you will find that every ones story is an inspiration and it makes it easier to go on. Even though you have just started your journey you have been such a great support to these woman,and you deserve a great big (((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))))
Deann~ I know what you mean, my hair feels so much better now, it looks more healhier and has a shine to it that i havint seen since i was in my 30's im really starting to love it now- but i dont want any one to see my avatar tilll it looks more like me, in fact i have my pics on FB that was gbefore my chemo tx's i guess im still in DE-Nile ha!
Grannydukes- You are your own best advocate, and it sounds liek you are doing every thing right, as long as you feel comfortable with what ever decision you go with will be the right one
Mandy~ Thank you for clearing that up, i thought the sentinal and axillary were two differnet areas every time i read somthing on it, thats what it sounded like and i was so confused, see, i learn somthing new on here ever day!!!
Rach- ((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))
Keepingthefaith, im so sorry you had pain during your node dissection, i didnt feel anything, at least i dont remember it, i had such a cute anesthesiaolgist(sp) and i said make sure i dont feel anything because im a chicken and he said i will give you extra i guess he did because i really dont remmeber other than he was so dam cute LOL glad your friends and family have been ther for you
Lynda- i had a MX so cant comment on the lumpectomy as far as taking a shower, but i was albe to take baths, not showers for a week or so, As far as the sentinal node is concerned, depends on werather you are having them out the same time as surgery or not, i had mine sent in to the pathogist while still under sedation to see if the sentinal nodes were positvie, but if you had it done sepertly then yes it would take anywhere from 7- to 10 days depending on if they have to sed it out or not
x
-
Thanks for all the good info ladies. Yes they will look at the sentinel node during surgery. The office called yesterday and have set up my surgery for Aug.3rd! I have to call back monday about motrin that I take for my back. cos they now say you have to stop 2 weeks before. WOW it was good to get a date so I can just get this done, but another part of me got real scared and overwhelmed. I had to go directly to my group, I asked my boyfriend who has been saying "I will be there for you" if he will be there in the waiting room and at first he said"it depends on what time it is" Oh man I really lost it later, I told himIt should just be automatic, that he would take time off to be there and that I couldnt count on him, etc. Well he said sorry and he would be there, but now I am feeling trust issues with him. As if we dont have enough on our plates! Boy oh Boy....guys can be so dense
-
Thanks for all the good info ladies. Yes they will look at the sentinel node during surgery. The office called yesterday and have set up my surgery for Aug.3rd! I have to call back monday about motrin that I take for my back. cos they now say you have to stop 2 weeks before. WOW it was good to get a date so I can just get this done, but another part of me got real scared and overwhelmed. I had to go directly to my group, I asked my boyfriend who has been saying "I will be there for you" if he will be there in the waiting room and at first he said"it depends on what time it is" Oh man I really lost it later, I told himIt should just be automatic, that he would take time off to be there and that I couldnt count on him, etc. Well he said sorry and he would be there, but now I am feeling trust issues with him. As if we dont have enough on our plates! Boy oh Boy....guys can be so dense
-
Hi Lynda--For my surgery, they did not look at sentinel node during surgery--it is sent off separately and I hear within 7-10 days. I have an appt with oncologist on Tues and they think they will have the pathology by then...hopefully (not sure if that is Canadian protocol or not). I am recovering well from surgery--i have some fluid in the breast area (happened after wraps were off) but not enough that it needs to be drained. They will check it again on Tues. My family and friends are a Godsend right now--it would be really hard to get through this without support. These online support groups are great aswell to meet people who are going through the same thing. Good luck to you.
For those that have already started chemo--any suggestions on your first visit with Oncologist--questions you found helpful? Would appreciate to get some feedback in this area for sure.
-
Friends,
Just wanted to let you all know that my node biopsy this past Thursday was positive for breast cancer. I finally got my tumor path report: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Grade: Intermediate; ER+ PR+, HER2-. So, that could be worse. If it weren't for the fact that the one (so far) node tested positive, I'd feel pretty good.
I am scheduled for a mastectomy on Monday, July 22. So soon! They have told me that they will be removing more nodes, and that all of the pathology reports will be available in 7-10 days.
I'm still confused about nodes and . . . well, many things. To some degree, I've just decided to trust my doctor (she's good). Your stories give me hope. I hope that one day I will be a comfort to some of you. Thanks to everybody for your encouragement and support.
-
Hi everyone. This is my first post. I am 58. I have been reading over the past few days and all your stories are so comforting. I was diagnosed on July 20th after having a biopsy. So far they are telling me I have IDC, Stage1 (?), ER- PR- HER2 indec. HER2 was sent to Mayo Clinic for final dx. Histologic Grade 2. I met with my surgeon, had an MRI yesterday, meet with radiation oncologist on Tues, 7/27. So far the plan is lumpectomy (7mm tumor), radiation, then chemo. I am scared, but trying to be brave.
-
Hey barbbasile, everyone is scared deep down even the ones who have found peace. The basic fear is always with you but its like a little shadow in the corner of your mind. The stage you are at the fear is still front a centre and thats okay, so long as you recognise it for what it is and try to come to terms with it. You have had a very busy week and it looks like another one coming up. Try and take one day at a time and deal with just that day. Try with all your might not to project as no-one knows what the future holds and going there in your mind really does you no good. I am so sorry that you have to be here but very glad you are. If you need some meds to help with the anxiety please don't be afraid to ask your doc for a prescription. Sometimes we just need a little help to get us through the trauma that this diagnosis brings. The women on these boards are always around and will help anyway we can. Please come here and let us share your fears, your triumphs, your loneliness, your aches and pains. when you share a problem etc, you find it much easier to get through.May the hands of healing light guide you through all your treatment. Love n hugs. chrissyb
-
Hi Sistas:
I just got home from a w/e at the Lake (trailer) and I see we have another new member. Welcome barbbasile, this is a very hard time for you and we have all been there. I'm glad you have been reading our posts and happy that you have found them comforting. By joining us you will not be alone and that in itself helps us be a bit braver. Someone was asking about stitches vs strips - the BS told me that I have dissolving stitches inside and then on the incision steri-strips. Then the bandages go over that for a couple of days. You will be given instructions on when to take what off.
Cathy
-
Thank you so much chrissyb and tryn2staycalm for replying and welcoming me. I am one of those control-freak types and have spent most of my time since my diagnosis pouring over the internet seeking information. I am figuring that chances are I have TNBC, because my surgeon said that HER2 indeterminite usualy turns out to be negative. So, that translates into TNBC when I do the math. Funny, when I saw her, being a newbie, I ask her is hormone negative better than positive? And she says " its different" I guess she was being kind. Suddenly, with the ER- PR- I am faced with chemo, not just a "simple lumpectomy, a little radiation and you'll never think about it again" like I was told at first. Anyway, here I am and what is - is. I intend to give this everything I've got. If I get the BRAC1/2 tests -which I hope I can - then I'll have more to deal with, but for now, one day at a time. Cripes! How did this HAPPEN??? JK...I know, who knows, love and thanks for all your support.
-
Barbbasile, can I offer you another little piece of advice? For your own sanitys' sake, please stay off the net until you have a full pathology report. The reason I ask this is that until you know all the details, you are projecting and that can lead to more anxiety which you don't need. I hear you when you say you are a control freak, I can relate cause so am I when it comes to me, but in this instance unfortunately you have no control and for the moment you have to come to terms with that as hard as it may seem. your control will return, but not yet. Please come to these boards often as the women here not only support, they teach and we would love to help, teach and support you every step of the way. Love n hugs to you. chrissyb
-
Thanks Chrissyb for your good sound advice. I have been making myself crazy with information overload, and what I need to do is exactly what you say. Love and hugs to all you wonderful women who fight this everyday, I didnt want to be here but since I am, I am proud to be one of you. Love to you all, Barbara
-
Hi Barb, Cathy and Chrissy.......yes all of this can be so overwhelming. And you do need to take one step at a time and not project. As strong as we may be like you said there is always a little space of fear or anxiety looming. Before during and after. I know when they called friday to say that They got authorization; I was relieved because it will finally happen an dbeover, but a part of me is terrified of Aug 3rd.
I went to a chat room a few days ago and when I mentioned that my mon was misdiagnosed years ago, there was a woman there who imeediately started saying oh NO you need chemo, you cant just have a lumpectomy and radiation. Im being treated by one of the best and most experienced breast surgeon/oncologist in the bay area. But this woman , Oh man Ill never go back to that chat. I know some of you are facing chemo or have had that so please dont think I have judgements here, I just didnt appreciate her acting like a doctor and trying to advise me inthat way.
For all of you that are recuperating I say a prayer for you everyday and hope ALL of you know how much these boards mean to me
Lynda
-
Hi Lynda:
Glad you've got your approval and will move ahead. Since I've just been there 10 days ago (Lumpectomy) I can assure you its not that bad as far as surgery goes but any surgery is a bit scary. I am still waiting for details of my pathology. Then I will have to trust the experts and since I'm going to the only cancer center in the entire area I would think they should know what is the best treatment for me. I would think if yours is too they should know. If you are not happy then many ladies have requested a second opinion for surgery or treatment. Many ladies here will tell you they had a lumpectomy followed with Rads and they are now fine. Not sure why that lady was so intent that you needed chemo. I hope you continue to find these boards helpful.
Cathy
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team