November 2009 Mastectomy
Comments
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Well I am back form my BC free weekend with the kids and my best freind and her family in Julian. I cant think of a more fun thing than to just enjoy watching the kids have fun nothing about me or doctors. I am so glad everyone is feeling ok. Welcome YoYo44 to am December now so you are with me we will pretend we belong since my first day was November the 9th. MsMarilyn how long did your surgery take you were not in long? I will talk to you all more hope everyone remembers you are all in my prayers.
Gentle Hugs,
Rebecca
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Hi Rebecca,
Glad you had a good weekend! They do wonders for the mind, body and soul!
My surgery lasted right at 4 1/2 - 5 hours in total and was in recovery for about an hour. That's having both breasts removed and the TE's placed. I was in the hospital (not counting the hours before surgery) for only 20 hours.
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I cant believe that! I am so hoping that they are able to do mine that way. I feel I will recover that much faster if I can just get home. I am so happy that you are in good spirits.
I have surgery 12/1 I have a awards luncheon on the 10th what do you thing the chances I will be OK for that event. I hear I will likely receive an award that day. So I really want to be there also I would like to see all my corporate co-workers since we only see each other twice a year.
Rebecca
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Hi,
I didn't expect to be joining this thread, but the pathology report after my SNB and lumpectomy on the 4th showed more cancer that didn't appear on the tests and biopsies. I see the surgeon on Tues. to plan a left mastectomy for the 23rd or 25th. The lymph nodes were clear in the preliminary path. report; I'm hoping the final report says the same thing so I won't have to have more nodes removed. The pain and discomfort from the SNB have been wearying, to say the least. Do you suppose that my arm pain will be less after the mastectomy, since I've alread had the underarm cut? I'm not doing reconstruction, so it really should be a "simple" mastectomy. I'm doing OK about losing the breast, most of the time, but every once in a while I feel like I'm mourning the passing of a dear friend.
Linda
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Linda,
I'm sorry that your here but I'm glad that you found us. I just had a Bilat. mastectomy with TE placement on the 12th. And I fully understand what you mean when you said you feel like you're mourning the passing of a dear friend. Your breast has been with you all of your life and you have every right to feel however you feel. Because every woman deals with her cancer, surgeries, treatment in her own way.
NO ONE here is going to judge you or tell you what to do, but we will be here to give you support, understanding and pass whatever knowledge we have on to you.
I don't know if your arm pain will lessen after your surgery or not, maybe another lady on here can answer that for you. But remember to write all of your questions down and take them to the doctor with you on Tuesday. I also found that taking my sister and sister in law with me helped with remembering the answers to my questions. They wrote down what was said and helped me ask questions I didn't think of. I also took a tape recorder with me which really helped me later when I was trying to wrap my mind around everything later that night.
Not sure if I helped you here or not, but please know that if you ever need to talk you can send me a PM and I'll be here for you!
Extra Gentle Hugs,
Marilyn
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Hi all- I have been reading about you and praying for you - but not felt like writing. Now it is confirmed that my Bi-lat mx will be Nov 20th - so 2 hands you can take the ? mark away from my name! It was a maybe because of finding a mass and a cyst on my ovaries. But the Gyno-Oncolgist said to move ahead with the bc treatment and I will have another ultrasound on the ovaries in 6 weeks. If they are still there, then an oopherectomy is next. I am just going to look at one thing at a time and the mastectomy is first ...so here we go.
DMorgan2 and 2hands - I have been looking at everything EXACTLY like you talked about - each thing is in terms of "last" Last Sunday with boobs, etc. Glad to know I am not off the chart!
Had 8 close friends over on Friday night for a Ta Ta to the Tatas evening. It was nice to be surrounded by their love and bolstered by their support. Many laughs, some tears, some education on ILC. Let everyone feel me up - for educational purposes of course. I want everyone to know that not all BC feels like a "lump" - mine feels like a thickened area. It sure feels large - I don't know if that is how big the cancer is or not. My surgeon guessed 4 to 7 cm. EEK. Hope it is just swelling and tumor is smaller.
Making plans for meals, bills, activities for my 12 year old son, work, etc. I feel like I am leaving for a big trip- except I will be home.
I STILL haven't had a real break down yet - some moments of eye welling - but never streaming tears. I am afraid of when that might happen. A little afraid it might not happen. Trying to stay positive for everyone around me. I feel bad that I am making other people sad. My friends are so worried.. My husband seems a bit stunned - don't know if he "gets" it all- won't read anything. Just wants to wait and see after surgery. Says it doesn't do any good to read about other people because each case is different. A bit of denial I guess- but also some value there. Don't need to borrow trouble - as the old saying goes.
Glad to hear of your surgeries in general going well and that you are all recovering at home. I will have a SNB on both sides with my bi-lat mx. Reconstruction will be after treatments. Looks like chemo - but not positive yet.
Sending out loving thoughts and prayers to you all. Cammy
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HI WordDoctor,
I know how you feel about losing a good friend. I have been grieving this whole process. For me it's been 3 months now (since dx) as I've anguished over what kind of treatment to have. It IS a loss, not just of the breast, but of the former way of life, healthy self, etc....at least to me. I have had to wrok thru to acceptance.
Do you mean that your lumpectomy report came back clear and now this report?
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Cammy2, I have broken down many times--grieving as I stated above. Everyone handles grief differently too in life. It's been a real process for me and I'm still working thru it...hopefully getting closer to the other side. Your surgery's 2 days after mine.
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Hi Ladies,
I had my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery on Friday, November 13, 2009. The surgery was almost 9 hours long. I cannot believe how good I feel already. I came home from the hospital Sunday early afternoon. I can already reach my arms above my head. I took a shower, washed my hair...the works!
I had a FANTASTIC surgical team. I think that was key. My reconstruction was a lat flap. My plastics surgeon was able to do immediate nipple reconstruction too! I feel "put back together". I have the tissue expanders in and will wait about 4 months or so for everything to settle down and take shape before the implants and tatoos.
If anyone knows how to attach pictures I would be happy to post a few. I thought looking at pictures freaked me out a little, but maybe when you see me...just a few days after surgery it will bring some comfort to some of you.
I'm taking 1 vicodin, 1 valium and a keflex every 6 hours right now and that seems to be enough.
Anyway, I was so scared going into surgery I was a basket case for a few days. I feel happy and relieved now. I still have to wait for the final path report, but the nodes looked good in surgery so I will probably only need to take tamoxifen from now on. But I won't know all that for a few more weeks.
All my best to all my other surgery ladies! Mine was a good experience. I had a world class surgical team and I'm looking forward to a wonderful recovery!
God Bless,
Meagan
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I realize my summary was a little confusing. Originally an MRI showed an enhanced area under the nipple, as well as the original lump that showed up in the mammogram and ultrasound (which was also biopsied). I had an MRI-directed biopsy to test the area that showed up in the MRI. That second biopsy came back negative, so when, after the lumpectomy, the doctor said he thought he got clear margins, I pretty much expected a good pathology report--that I'd be done with surgery and now just wait for chemo. (I'm HER+, which usually means chemo even if the nodes are clear). When the preliminary pathology report came back with multi-focal (more spots not connected to the original lump) cancer, I was kind of surprised. The original lump had clear margins, but more spots were in the margin. I know that I could have another lumpectomy to try to get all the multi-focal spots, but I'd be concerned that there are other spots in the breast that didn't show up, or that the MRI-directed biopsy was negative only because it didn't locate the cancerous area. My surgeon said he'd support either decision, but he recommended the mastectomy. SO, I confer with him tomorrow to set the date for next week, either the 23rd or 25th. I know that no one on this thread needs all the details I've put in this post, but I guess I need to talk about it. Thanks for listening.
Linda
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Welcome WordDoctor - and glad you shared. It helps your perspective to be able to put the whole journey in words, and helps us to understand you and your situation. Multiple appointments and procedures are not fun and nothing is final until the final path report. Everyone is different, but I didn't want unclear margins and several repeated surgeries in an attempt to get them. I've read of several ladies that have 3 surgeries, still don't get clear margins and finally have a mastectomy. Of course, we seldom hear of the many, many that get clear margins the first time and move on! In February, my radiologist thought the DCIS was so extensive that a mastectomy was the best choice. It ended up being only that small area but with some microinvasion......at least I avoided rads. AND, now they say the path report was so "busy" that another cancer would probably have shown up soon. So, for ME, I'm glad for the decisions that were made.
cammy2 - aren't you glad to have the date confirmed? Not knowing even that was difficult for me. Once I knew, I could move towards the date. And it is like going on a trip! The refrigerator needs cleaned out, the bills paid, laundry done......but it's definitely more fun to pack for a trip!!!!
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WordDoctor that is what we are all here for to listen to one another need to say. I have found peace in this and one other thread. I have been able to discuss fears frustrations and such. I think my DH is the best thing that ever happened to me but to sit and talk about all this with me is not going to happen. He loves me and I love him but his way of helping me was buying me a recliner and shower chair not sitting listening. I am so glad when I get to just say how I feel at that particular moment. Riverview814 I am so gald to hear stories like yours. I wonder if I can ask do you think I will feel ok for the meeting on 12/10 if I have my surgery on 12/1?
Rebecca
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rebetta - In my opinion, it is very possible you will be ready for a meeting by 12/10. No reconstuction makes a difference - but everyone does have different speeds of recovery depending on so many variables and our own unique bodies. Last time, I was so-o-o tired and things went slower but I would have made an event that was so important to me. This time is totally different and I'm ready to do more at home even though it's only been a week! I think chele was asking a similar question on another thread - if you search for her history, you can read the various comments she received! Anyone else here with suggestions for rebetta?
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2hands4me I am sorry to say maybe I forgot to post I am getting the TE's for implants. I still think I will be ready the 10th it will only be about 4-5 hours at the most. I am a quick recoverer after my hysterectomy I was only off work 2 weeks. I am a nurse but am in a management position so I guess you can say it is an office job.
Rebecca
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Afternoon ladies!
Just got off the phone with my surgeon's nurse about my pathology from surgery on Nov 10. My double mastectomy seems to be all clear margins, axillary lymph node dissection showed 11/18 positive nodes. Guess that might bump me up to a stage III, I don't know. I meet with the surgeon again next Monday for post-surgery check, and will also speak with the oncologist about chemotherapy.
One thing I have learned since surgery - don't put the tube top/camisole in the dryer! OMG, I was so disgusted with how it looked after surgery that I washed AND dried it over the weekend. Oops - it shrunk. I am not a happy camper being stuck in a top that is a whole size too small.
The nurse told me over the phone today to go to Kohls or Macys and get a brand from Bali called Barely There (camisole). All I need at this point is compression for the swelling and she said that is a good brand that I could easily transition to in the near future.
All continues to go well except for the stitches where the drains are, especially on the right side. Most annoying, and at times painful, and now more so since the dryer incident.
I ended up taking pain meds last night. Hope everyone is doing well. Gentle hugs all around.
~ Leslie
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Hi ladies,
I found these products that can help with recovery for those of us who can't afford to rent a hospital bed.
http://www.contourliving.com/p-19-mattress-genie-adjustable-bed-wedge.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JK68UG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
Take Care, Kimberly
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Back from surgeon appointment. NO MORE DRAIN! He said the suture had pinched the skin a little - probably causing the discomfort. So glad it's out!
Path report back - "just a breast" according to him - but he didn't think a mastec. was necessary even though the tumor board recommended it! Apparently there were some fibrocystic changes and a papilloma(benign). So, NO auxillary node surgery - Praise the Lord! I want to see the report with my own eyes, and discuss with my ONC....but it looks like I'm done! Such a relief, even though they thought all was really OK. (I could feel one lump and MRI found another something).
Even with driving to the appointment, and visiting work briefly, I'm not too tired! So different from my February surgery!
Clear margins are good, Leslie. And chemo IS very doable - there are so many things that have improved and alot of ladies on these boards have good experience too!
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2Hands4me glad to hear hopefully your ONC thinks the same.
Rebecca
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Thinking of you YoYo44 - relax, take a deep breath and know we'll be anxious to hear back from you! God bless you with a good nights sleep and peace tomorrow and an uneventfull recovery!
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Meaghan and 2 Hands - such good news - nice to see that. 2 hands I think I would put that path report in a scrapbook with smaily faces on the page.
Wow what a busy schedule this week with all the surgeries. Linda- sorry you have to be another one for this month. I am at the point that I just want to be on the other side of the surgery.
Wishing calm days and peaceful nights to all recovering and awaiting their surgeries.
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I don't want to miss anyone so prayers and hugs to everyone. I will be thinking about all of you hope you remember you are not a lone in this.
Rebecca
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2Hands4me - Add me to the list - thanks for the PM. I probably would have missed it.
I am scheduled for right mast on 11/23. I had a left mast 9/8/08. IDC - Stage III, Grade 3. This August I had a mammo that showed "something" on the right. The radiologist wants to "watch" it for another 6 months and see what happens...I don't think so. I had a mast, chemo and radiation already for the left side...I'm not doing this again if I don't have to, so I'm having the proph mast. I didn't have reconstruction on the left and I've opted not to do it now.
I'm curious to see what my path report says. I want to know what this "thing" that is supposedly nothing is. I'm not a pessimist, but part of me feels that they'll find something in there that they didn't know was there. Does that make any sense? Maybe, in a way, I'm thinking that will validate having the breast removed, not that I want anything to be in there. I just feel that whatever this thing that showed up on the mammo (and an ultrasound) is something that would eventually not be good.
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Jane_M welcome I am with you get it before it gets you. I will keep you in my prayers along with all the other ladies. These next two weeks are very busy on this thread.
Rebecca
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Glad you found us, Jane_M. My surgeon really thougth it was unnecessary - and made comments like, "You can't take off everything that might get cancer". And now, his comment on my path report was, "just a breast" - inferring that it was unnecessary. But it's not his body, he's never been diagnosed with cancer, AND he thinks he knows it all and is always right. The important thing is that he is a good surgeon skill-wise, so I ignore or challenge him on his comments! Yes, my path appears to be negative and "others" can feel that my decision, based on the tumor board recommendation, was not necessary. But, they are not me! I prayed for a clear decision, the tumor board said "mastec." and I felt this was a clear decision from several medical professionals that shouldn't be ignored! Now, I'm thankful the path was negative, that I don't need a ax. node surgery, and that I don't need chemo or rads. I CAN live without either breast. This is God's path for me....I may not choose it, but I want His Will in my life. He is the One that sees the whole picture and knows why this was to be. Maybe I can help someone else through this 10 years from now? He knows it all and has kept His Promise to be with me!
dmorgan2 and chele - Thinking of you both as you finish last minute details to be ready for tomorrow. It is do-able, one step at a time. Rest well and relax as much as possible. Sending you hugs and prayers across the miles!
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Ok, ladies, tomorrow's my big day! Surgery's at 1:30 EST.
Today has been a rough day for me; I've really been questioning my decision about having a mx, since it's MY decision and I only have DCIS non-invasive. However, I've never spoken to anyone who has regretted that decision for a mx. I think I have a case of, not cold, but FROZEN feet!
Anyway, if you are a praying person, I'd appreciate them for tomorrow (for Chele too!).
"Talk" to you later---
Debbie
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Good luck, Chele! It'll be interesting to compare notes since we're on the same day.
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Thanks 2Hands4me!
Good luck to you too dmorgan2! I'll keep you in my prayers.
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dmorgan,
I had LCIS and decide I couldn't deal with the stress of being tested for the rest of my life. So I had a bil mastectomy in Jan of this year. It was the best decision for me. Now I have peace of mind. You will too so best of luck to you. You'll be fine.
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Quick question to the ladies who's already had surgery...
I had my bi mx on the 12th of this month and so far I've really been surprised by how good I feel over all. I know when I over do things and I still have to remind myself to slow down and take it easy or I'll be hurting later. Basically just been listening to my body and when it tells me to rest I do... starting to enjoy being pampered by my family (actually thinking I could get used to it....LOL)
Still waiting to get my path report back... waiting isn't one of my favorite things to do! *ugh*
Anyway here is my question... has anyone else experienced phantom nipple pain or itching?
For the ladies getting ready to have surgery... remember to breath and relax. It's not going to be as bad as you might have in your mind. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and good path reports back!
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MsMarilyn,
Glad your feeling so good. But, don't over do it. I found that I really felt good around three weeks after my surgery.
I can't say I had phantom pain because I was and still am numb from my mastectomy. I don't expect to get feeling back even though the PS says I still might. But that's ok it could be worse. I agree with you when you said the surgery isn't as bad as you would think. Good luck to all the ladies facing surgery this month.
Be well,
Ann
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