IDC (Infiltrating/Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) 2011 Sisters

Likeachickadee

Kaara, good luck to you too.  I would ck first on taking something.  I know before my excisional was told not to take any meds for 12 hours prior to surgery.  The fainting during the wire guided I think was not so much from pain as the 2 areas were numbed with lidocaine, but I was told it was "vasovagal syncope" which you can't really control - just your bodies way of reacting to emotional or stressful situations - heart rate drops and blood leaves head and you pass out.

Good luck!

Kaara

Likeachika...thanks for the tip!  I guess that could happen to me too, because I have an abnormally slow heartbeat anyway, and am subject to fainting.  I was called back in on the pre op screening because of it.  I'll tell them that, so they can be prepared.

Mardibra

likeachick - they gave me some Ativan at the hospital prior to the wire localization procedure.  Tell them you want it and thy will provide.  It helped keep me nice and mellow!

stage1

Ladies, I too passed out, I had told them that I am a fainter and they still too their time...I thought it would never end.  There was another thread on this site with a gal that really did have to postpone her surgery because of the wire insertion stressed her to the point that she got sent to ER.  I don't want to scare you further, maybe I am just a sissy, but I want to share this with you to try to avoid problems.  FOR ME, THEY ENDED UP TURNING THE MACHINE TO A POSITION THAT I COULD HAVE IT DONE LYING DOWN.  The lady tech said to the doctor "maybe we should do all of them lying down"...he had no comment.

WaveWhisperer

My wire insertion WAS done with me lying down, so I had no idea it wasn't done that way for everyone. Even lying down, it was no picnic. 

Druanne

My goodness......I'm just telling them I don't want any wire!!!  Sounds so sinister!! LOL

Live

Hi ladies, 

I had the wire put in before the node biopsy. I don't know why but i was completely calm. they  numbed it up and had to dig around a little but it was like they were doing it to someone else. I think I was stilll in shock from the dx and all to come. I remember looking down at the wire and they are telling me " don't look" it was just surreal. I was sitting up for it. Then they took me for the sentinel node and I was still numb and they wanted to sedate me. I don't know about anyone else but I hate not being in control. so I did it without. Only 1 needle burnt like hell. I guess what I'm trying to say is everyone is different. What helped me was to focus on deep breathing and the breath I was taking. totally remove yourself from what is happening.  Before I knew it everything was done.

 Druanne I know it sounds sinister and it is! You can do it!  The more freaked you get the worse it will seem.  Anxiety will tense everything and they will have a tougher time getting the wire in. 

Mardibra

I had the wire procedure too. Honestly, for me, it wasn't that bad. Sounds worse than it is. I was numb and didn't look.

Druanne

I found out today that I don't need the wire.....because my tumor is right on top and easy to locate....there is a downside to that too though however..........not much extra "stuff" around the tumor to remove to obtain clear margins crossing my fingers!

stage1

I think the reason it is so difficult on some, is that right before surgery, haven't eaten anything, nothing to drink.  I was dehydrated, which didn't help things at all.  But if I had to do it again, I would be asking for a sedative and to do it lying down.  Druanne, so glad you don't have the procedure.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you too...

Kaara

Had my surgery on Monday, all went well.  I didn't find the dye injection or wire insertion very painful at all...it was just uncomfortable being in a cold room and having to be still for so long at a time.  I was completely out for the surgery and didn't feel a thing.  They gave me meds for pain after, so I wasn't bothered very much.  I was up going to the bathroom by myself last night.

 If I had it to do over, I would opt to leave the hospital and go home.  I didn't get a wink of sleep last night with nurses coming in and out of the room and leaving lights on and talking in the hallways!  Oh...the hospital managed to lose the clothes I wore there...haven't seen them since I put them in a plastic bag and left them with a nurse for safekeeping.  She was nowhere to be found, and I had to have my boyfriend bring new clothes for me to wear home.

Dru:  Good luck on your surgery.  It will go just fine! 

barsco1963

Kaara - glad to hear everything went well and you are doing ok. Can't believe they lost your clothes. Sounds like the hospitals are getting to be like the airports - yikes. Hope you have been able to get the rest you need at home.

Dru - good luck with everything

Druanne

Thank you everyone! I am am a bit nervous about tomorrow! I wonder what it is going to look like when I wake up and if they are going to remove a LOT of my breast.......not sure what to expect....am just hoping they get it all with clear margins!! Glad your surgery went well Kaara ........CRAZY they lost your clothes!!!!

stage1

Kaara, So happy it went well for you, except for losing your clothes!  I was surprised to know they kept you for the night.  They sent me home within an hour after the lumpectomy.  I felt the surgery was easy, felt great at home for a few hours.  Then after the drugs wore off, I was feelin' so tired..take time to rest.  I had a lot of company afterwards.  That was nice, but just layed around and let them bring me meals and flowers.  Glad it is over for you (((hugs))))

stage1

Druanne, with 1 cm, they shouldn't take too much.  With my lumpectomy, you cannot even see the scar.  Good Luck...I think you will be fine.

macatacmv

It has been really good for me to read these posts to get an idea for what will happen next week for me. I am having a lump with needle localization and the sentinel node thing. The woman at the docs office told me to bring lots to entertain myself since it is such a long day. During the core biopsy the attending doctor stuck her head in the room and asked if I was going to go out for lunch with my friend after the procedure. I was like what!!! all I want is to lay down and go to sleep somewhere. How am I going to read a book with a needle stuck in my chest and dye seeping through my blood supply. Anyway I don't even have enough information to totally list my diagnoses, so I feel like the baby in the room.

Mardibra

Macatac - did you receive a copy of your biopsy pathology report? They can be a challenge to decipher but it will tell you a lot. I'm happy to help if you want to PM me...I've read several of my own! I'm certainly not a doctor but would be happy to assist.

Kaara

stage1:  My surgery was late in the day, and my BS said he is old fashioned like that...he wanted to keep me for observation overnight..give me IV fluids to flush out the dye, and keep me in these massage booties to prevent blood clots.  I have to admit those felt good on my legs...they inflated about every 30 sec. and gave your calves a massage.  Kinda like being at the spa!  The night at the hosp. was not fun though...nurses coming in and out and leaving the lights on.  Had to go home to rest up!

 I'm feeling great today...no pain at all and surgery site is healing well.  I would feel a lot better if I could just hear my final pathology report...good or bad....I'm prepared for it, but I just want the mystery to be over!  Dr. is supposed to let me know today at the latest...yeah..right... just like the hospital is still looking for my clothes!  Bet I'll be able to buy them back on e bay soon!

macatacmv

Kaara. Ha Ha about your clothes! I am glad that you are in no pain. good luck with the path report!

 I can call my BS at any time even on weekends and nights and get her paged and she will call me back. Don't be afraid to be pushy. Those booties do sound nice.And getting the dye flushed out of your system was a bonus.

 I am having my surgery at 1:30 on Thursday, then being let go. For me since I live on an island I will have an hour and a half drive and then a 45 minute boat ride before I can get into bed. But it is one of the best hospitals ever so the travel is worth it. I slept the whole way home from the biopsy and then slept another 2 days after that.

Keep us posted.         

dandk35

Hi

I am new to the group, from England.  I was diagnosed earlier on in the year, had lumpectomy, full node clearance (left side) radiotherapy and am currently on tamoxifen.  Went for annual mammo last Monday and have been recalled for further mammo, ultrasound and biopsies.  Feeling very down today.  They are talking about the right side now.  No idea what I am going to do. Am on my own with an 11 year old daughter.  Great Christmas present!!

thanks for listening

Deb

Kaara

maca:  Good luck on your surgery.  Soon it will be a distant memory!  I just got the all clear on my margins and nodes, so I'm a happy camper again!  Still have rads to deal with, but not until after the first of the year, so I'm going to forget all this and relax!

dandk35:  Welcome...sorry you are having to go through this again.  It sometimes happens like that..I have a friend who had the same thing, but she got through the second one just like the first.  The key is early diagnosis and teatment.  Keep getting those mammos!

Keep in mind....this could be nothing at all....radiologists are going to be extra cautious since you've already had bc.  I know it's hard, but try not to worry.

All the best to you! 

lolabrown

Maca: I was sent a letter in the beginning with my diagnosis, that's how I got the diagnosis on this site. The site also asks you specific questions, we're not just pulling this stuff out of thin air.  And IF what I had is what they're doing to you, they put me in a mammogram-type machine, and inserted wires (not needles) to direct the doctor to the tumors. I was completely numbed and the wires were flexible and they taped them down. The worst thing was that I couldn't eat and have low blood pressure so I passed out during the procedure (NOT typical) and I perked myself up and kept going.  My family kept me occupied, and there was a TV there, too. You'll be fine.

macatacmv

Lola, thanks for replying. I was glad to hear that your family could be with you. My daughter is coming and bringing all the entertainment she can think of.  She is good at distraction. I know I will be OK. The biopsy was uncomfortable but not unbearable. The nurses and radiologists are so nice too. I just sometimes have difficulty psyching myself up to be upbeat and positive ALL the time. I guess we need to have more information from the lump to get a full diagnosis. The waiting is getting to me and I am trying to get everything ready for Christmas before I leave, plus get my business ready for a shut down between Christmas and New Years. Thanks for calming my fears.   Nancy

barsco1963

Deb - welcome but sorry you have to be here. Hopefully the second mammo will show there is nothing to worry about - just a precaution. Hang in there.

Macatacmv - Waiting is definately the hardest part of it all. Best of luck on Thurs - you will do great!

dandk35

Hi

Thanks for the positive comments. But am concerned, over here they don't do anything quickly unless its necessary, and 3 days after mammo is quick!  Will see what they say at the hospital tomorrow. Let you all know. Deb

p.s. Kaara - did your friend have same on other breast? ie lumpect and radio?  

Kaara

dandk35:  Same type bc...other breast one year later, and same treatment, surgery and rads.  She is fine last I talked to her.  Good luck tomorrow.

Joan811

Kaara, I am glad to hear your surgery went well and your nodes and margins are clear. 
Best wishes for a fantastic recovery.
Macatacmv, The waiting around was the worst part of my lumectomy 8/30.  I was not afraid, but I just wanted it to be over.  I was there for 6 hours before it was my turn...and I walked into the OR which seemed so strange.
I had the dye injection the day before.  I asked for numbing but was told no....I was really annoyed, but it wasn't bad.  The wire insertion was bizarre.  I had to stand, was squeezed in the mammo machine, got the shot, not bad; the wire went in (another needle), but then they repositioned it a few times.  That was uncomfortable and annoying. 
My best advice?  Hang on and don't look.
Best to all who are having biopsies and surgeries this month. BC is no respecter of holidays or families.  Take good care of yourselves.
Hugs and prayers to all,

Joan811

macatacmv

Joan, Thanks for the advice. I haven't found much of this to be fun! Except for preparing for Christmas, I've never been so ready so early. I just have to let what is, be what it is. I am not a good waiter, I am a take charge get things done kind of person. So I am taking alot of deep breaths. The really nice part is I get to pick my daughter up at the airport tomorrow and she will be with me for the "procedure" and then drive me home and be home for Christmas.

I too wish everyone well and a Merry Christmas!

lisadi1963

Hi all.  I was just diagnoised with IDC.  I have my MRI tomorrow morning and see the surgeon tomorrow afternoon.  I don't know stage or anything else yet.  Any questions that I should ask?  I appreciate any adivice you guys have. 

KiwiDiana

Hello to my cancer sisters

I had a wide local excision and SNB on Monday for IDC in Lily (my lefty).  I had DCIS in Rose (my righty) 5 years ago with radiation/ and scar revision and all was going well there and was hoping to be in remission this year

 Anyway. now that some of my lymph nodes are gone, how is the lymph fluid going to drain from my breast?  The arm seems to be the usual protagonist in the lymphodema story, but that seems to be ok and Lily is slowly getting bigger with little tingles telling me she's stretching!

Has anyone got any tips for dealing with this?