February 2012 MX

Bern25

Hey Deborah2012,

Thanks for the info and I am really sorry to hear about your results being delayed.  I think I would be going through the roof and crying. I don't even know what to say except I feel the disappointment with you of hoping for some answers and being told to wait longer. Sometimes on days of waiting I just pretend there is nothing wrong and do something out of the ordinary. If I am not getting any news then nothing is happening to worry about. Hope it gets resolved soon. Take Care.

Layla2525

My Onc dr never even mentioned the oncontype test, He just flat stated,I give my pre meno girls tamox and my post meno girls Arimidex so when was your last period? I thought about telling him it was the same day he was born cuz he looked like he was born right after dinosaurs went extinct but I thought I should behave myself b4 they put a straight jacket on me and I got Arimidex which I could care less cuz both those junks have too many side effects and we gotta suffer thru it. I'd rather take Arimi than have these effin TE. The longer I have them the more I hate them. I had to sleep in the recliner with arms to side on back all night for 3 wks. I have slept in bed twice in last 3 wks. I finally got enuff pillows piled up last night then put the side sleeper on top of that and wedged myself in there so my arms wouldnt move cuz when they move the TE burn really bad and I didnt sweat like I usually do with the Arimidex so I dunno whats going on. I just keep on dreaming about one sweet day when I get my squishy implants and hope the whole effin thing will be over.

Pelicangirl

Hi camji, yes, I do have two hard lumps in my left reconstructed breast (this is my DIEP side..the right breast had to have TRAM). Both lumps are about the size of a large marble and are still bluish bruised in color. PS said initially they where probably areas of bruising/hematoma and would likely clear on their own. I do have a hereditary clotting disorder that causes me to bruise and clot easily . I have to say though they feel suspiciously like some of the areas of fat necrosis I had just below my abdominal incision that PS went in and removed last week. Either way the PS said not to worry..that hematomas can take months to resolve and if they are small spots of fat necrosis, he will deal with them during stage 2 of reconstruction. interestingly, I don't have the hard lumps on the TRAM side..no idea why. In meantime I am also applying heat and gentle massage to the hard spots. Time will tell I guess how they resolve.

DebbieOS

Hi Layla,

I hate to tell ya...but I'm in tons of pain with my implant.  I had my MX on 2/23, and I can't take any pain meds, due to a severe nausea problem, but I am definitely still in pain even though this is an implant, not a TE.  When I went into the shower for the top of my body and barely let a couple of drops on my skin sparing MX, I thought it felt like hot pokers....then my muscle started spasming due to the pain and I thought I was gonna pass out.  Am I alone in this unbelievable pain with an implant?  Is it just cause it was a skin sparing MX and they left "too many" nerve endings?  When I ask my PS, she just says that it will get better.  Really?  I really, really, really wish I could take pain meds...I'm going nuts here....

Gina9195

Deborah2012: you and I sound very familiar. I saw my onc today. My invasive tumor was 6mm. Based on what we discussed, I've chosen not to attempt the oncotype test because he says based on the size and grade, it's more than likely the results will put me in the low to intermediate recurrance category, something he already feels he knows. And therefore has given me a prescription for Tamoxifen which I'll need to take for the next 5 years. Because they did not do a SNB during my MX, I've decided to go with the recommendation of allowing another surgery to remove nodes under my armpit for testing. He says this will be the most accurate way to know if the cancer has spread beyond my breast. Its very disappointing knowing this surgery will make me need to worry about Lymphedema now and the Tamoxifen, but I NEED to know that the cancer is gone. If it's not, then we'll be discussing chemo treatment. He says I will be seen by him regularly, getting different tests every few months....this is now my lot in life for awhile. It's so surreal for me still. I have been incredibly healthy, eat well, exercise, no bad habits, etc, but none of that seemed to matter.

Galsal

Hang in there gals.  It's got to get better - it's already been worse right. 

mma59

Deborah2012, sorry about your oncotype test!  DebbieOS, sorry about your pain!  I went to PT yesterday and apparently I have some cording after the axillary node dissection and that's why I'm having the pain in my arm.  Have to do more stretching exercises which really hurt.  My onc appt. is tomorrow.  Gina, my BS took out 5 nodes during MX and it turned out that sentinal node has cancer so two weeks after that she took out 26 more and none of them had it.  Good news but now I have to deal with this cording and worry about lymphedema also!  We are all strong and we will get through this!  Wishing everyone a better day tomorrow!

Deborah2012

Good evening to my fellow miserable Feb. sisters ,

Thank you for your empathy and details.  That combo was very helpful for me. Did we ever contemplate all these post surgery issues?

Gina9195,How many nodes do you think they'll take?  One is not likely to give you LE unless you have high BMI, had prior Rads, or prior chemo.  Those are variables that affect your LE chances.

Gina also if you are even thinking chemo is in your future and you fit the criteria for an oncotypeDX, GET THE TEST!  You could literally suffer through chemo and it wouldn't have made much of a difference at all in preventing a recurrence. Insurance companies pay for it if the dr. orders it.  The trick is you have to be early stage, and ER+. I don't se your DX posted like the footnote on mine.  When I read other's posts, I look at their DX and it provides context for what's going on with them. 

My onc told me also-no Rads no chemo.  However, my onc can't see my genes.  I want the oncotype DX test. And- I'm an ideal candidate for it,too.

Go to oncotypedx.com. The company that controls the test isGenomic Health in USA.  All worldwide samples are sent to them.  I wanted to know about the hormone therapy part of the test (as opposed to if I'm a good candidate or not for chemo) based on my bc tumor's genes.  Select" healthcare professionals" tab.  Select "Quantitative Single-gene scores".  In short that measurement predicts how well one would respond to hormonal therapy.

DebbieOS, I'd be desperate.  What do they put in the anesthesia IV to prevent nausea? Any way you could get some of that in some kind of form? Whatever they gave me during my MX- it worked.   

Galsal you make me chuckle.

Layla2525 you're up and alive the next day after 10 hrs. straight at work?   I hate my TE.  When I get stressed or tired, it feels like it gets as hard as a rock or the chest muscle contracts or something. IOtherwise, it's a rather lovely bump.  I'm going to bed.  Too much aggravation and exhauston for one day.  I worked 5 hours straiaght without a break or lunch.  What a dumb idea that was!  I paid for it. I'm irritable and cranky- a real fussbudget!

Deborah2012 

Bern25

Morning Ladies,

Hoping to get these drains out today, calling the doc as soon as office hours begin. Then it is the wait for the onco visit on Monday. As much as I try to figure out treatment on my own to be prepared I am not sure how having a hysterectomy 10yrs ago figures in with ovaries still in...uggh...The best part of the day so far is it is sunny out at 7am. I think I am going to just sit outside today and take a break from all these questions running through my head, just wish I could have an unbrella drink sitting next to me like on the commercials for the island vacations. Best to all.

barbiecorn

Sometimes you do need a break from it all....enjoy the sun....I did yesterday and it helped a lot even without the umbrella drink!!!!

janiceg415

Good Morning Greetings to All,

I hope most of you can find some good in this morning.  I know many of you are rampant with pain & discomfort and the mere thought of not showering for 3 weeks is not comprehensible.  Why so many variables?   My PS told me I could shower less than a week out from skin sparing MX, but I didn't have TRAM or DIEP just TE placement so maybe that makes some of the difference. 

Saw the PS yesterday and Hooray! - took my 2 drains out (sometimes I reach down & expect them to be there, but yeah they are gone), said everything looks good, added 70cc to the TE, it didn't hurt yet and hopefully won't. 

Deborah2012 - I was never told anything about a oncotypedx?  I have not seen my oncologist yet but will see her 1st week of April, to see what treatment plan of any. Originally I was told that I would need to be on horome therapy for 5 yrs, so I don't if that is still what will be suggested. 

 Debbie OS - I am sorry for your pain, especially since you can't seem to take any pain meds.  I can't imagine what that must be like, I hope that this gets better for you.

  co- FEB MXs - just know that I think about each of you and where your are in this and hope that each day gets better for you. 

cajmi

Good Wednesay AM Ladies,

I hope today is good fresh start and new day after yesterday for some of you!!!  I'm thinking of you and praying for you

Deborah,

So sorry about having your test messed up.  I know they just made the onco DX test available for DCIS in November of last year, so for those of us with uncomplicated DCIS, we will have more trouble getting it.  I asked my BS and he felt it wasn't necessary.  I'm feeling a little uncomfortable as I never even saw a MO and no follow-up is recommended, just regular manual breast exams.  While this is nice and I don't want to complain, it does make me a bit nervous. 

Pelicangirl,

I actually had the Tram and the lumps.  Maybe all it took was to complain about them online as now it has begun to improve.  I have been massaging and trying heat, so it must have paid off.  I was worried about tissue necrosis because the lump is 2" long and 1" wide.  I do think it is softer today though, yeah!!!

I'm 5 weeks out today and feeling really good.  For that I am very thankful!!!  It was warm here yesterday so I went out and walked 3 miles in the AM, and whet back for 2 more in the evening.  got to take advantage of this nice weather and banish those thunder thighs!!!  Do you think I could send them to Jillian Michaels?  It would sure make he happy to see her with my thunder thighs when I can start doing the 30 Day Shred again 

Hang tough ladies you are all incredibly strong, more than you know, and often more than you care to be, but you are survivors!!!

Have a great day,

Carolyn

Bern25

Good afternoon Ladies,

Great Day...Just got my drains out....what a wonderful feeling...now I will be able to get that rest everyone has been telling me to get. For all who haven't gotten them out yet, hang in there. One more check off the "to do list".  I don't remember being told there would be so many things to do. All I remember was, "you have cancer...if you get the BXM you won't need chemo or rads...that is it."  But nothing has been as they said (not complaining) especially since it hasn't been worst case. I guess that is why the smallest thing of getting my drains out makes me feel like having a parade.

Best to all.....

mmswarowski

Hi Ladies! I went for my one week checkup with my surgeon and came home with my good friends....THE DAMN DRAINS!......I had developed a pocket of fluid under my left arm....the drain had become clogged. I knew when I saw that this morning that this would be the outcome, but I am so bummed. To show how bummed..I stopped at Walgreens to get my antibiotic filled and came home with it, cheeto's, frito's and gumdrops...LOL. I got home looked in that bag and laughed...can you say emotional eater????? The good news is is that the drain clogged due to the fact that I am healing so well. This to shall pass...I know, in the grand scheme of things this is no more than a stinkin' inconvience.....

Glad to see us all getting on with our recoveries and healings!

Layla2525

DebbieOS, OMG however do you stand it with no paid meds? They were cautious about letting me have any cuz I am allergic to Lortab and I hear all these ladies living on Vicodin and Xanax on these threads and I feel jealous I cant get too much but my gen phys gave me some TyCo#3 and I got my first fill today and I am not numb and I dont think the PS believed me but if I had not secretly taken that Tyco b4 I got the fill,I seriously would not have been able to drive home cuz even with it I felt like I just had surgery. I am drinking hot tea and whatever I drink feels like I am pouring it on my chest weird way it is since the surgery. Can you maybe do ice packs and warm packs? Alternate temps sometimes help me. My PS said I could do ice but she worries about me burning myself with warm packs cuz I am supposed to be numb,kept telling her I am not! They didnt cut the right nerve obviously!

mma59

Went to oncologist today.  I really like him.  Not sure about chemo yet.  He is having my tumor sent for the oncotype test.  I go back in three weeks.  Radiologist tomorrow.   Layla2525, I feel the same when I drink like its right on my chest!  Weird.  Have a good evening ladies!

Dixiemine30

Layla......I haven't been numb either.  I can feel everything across the top (above the incision). I am numb below the incision.  I really hope you can find a comfy spot tonight and rest after your fill.  Jeepers!!...I can't imagine 100ccs.

Mary Ellen -- Drains stink!!!  If I remember correctly, as long as you have drains you are allow to eat all the comfort foods you want.  If it's not a law, it should be :-)

Bern25 -- Ah....feels good, huh?  Freedom!!  You deserve a parade!!

DebbieOS -- Poor girl....I'm praying for you.  Can you take muscle relaxers?  Can they give you Zofran or something so you can take pain meds?  Please update us when you can.

DebbieOS

Layla-  Honestly, this has been a living hell for me...not the surgery part or the initial pain, but the followup stuff...nausea and hot pokers going through my chest.....HOWEVER....now the good part......I AM NO LONGER NAUSEOUS!  YAY!  And, the pain has DRASTICALLY gone down.  However, now that you mention that the "fill" part is difficult, I'm a little nervous for next week.  However, many on this site mentioned how difficult the drain removals were...after what I've been through, it was nothin'!"  Really, one's "pain thermometer" gets reset through some things, so I'm hoping it isn't too difficult.

What you said about possibly not cutting the right nerve....I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel the same way. So many people say their new boobs are numb....not mine, not mine! (Only part of it)

Anyway, I hope your chest feels better....I guess, as long as each week we are better it's okay,  eh?  Maybe?

DebbieOS

Dixiemine....unfortunately, the antinausea pills don't work against the pain meds...even the muscle relaxants....but....as I just wrote in my note to Layla....the nausea is gone and the pain is easing up a bit....thanks and gentle hugs-

Galsal

Made it through six hours of work today.  Not too bad.  We'll see how that is after another ay of it.  Have this feeling may just crash tomorrow evening.  Had every intention of having a nap when got home but went and did other things first.  Now, nap didn't happen.  Can you say it'll be an early night!

barbiecorn

I had BMX on 2/1 - how long did it take you to go back to work and is it possible to work fulltime.  I have an office job.  Have any of you not returned to work yet with BMX???

Galsal

That's the biggest reason I was allowed to go back so early barbie, an office job.  However, the stress of it involved is why I'm on part-time longer than we'd initially spoken of, BS and I.  I run a computer helpdesk so the stress is always there.  When I go back to full-time, it will be just after the six week mark.

barbiecorn

I can relate to the stress part of my job too....this time of year is the most stressful....it ends April 1st...so I am going back on April 2nd...I guess I will start part time if need be...but I am so anxious to get back to work to be among people.  At home, I think too much!!!!!

Galsal

true, being stuck at home was very isolating since I live alone

barbiecorn

Galsal - of course I don't blame you for going back to work right away...I have a little over three weeks to go back...hopefully I will be up and running by then...I do notice,I get tired easily though.  These surgeries take a lot out of you!!  Good Luck!!!!

TJP1071

Sorry it has taken so long to check back in with all of you. My surgery was on the 16th. I was in the hospital for 13 days! Complications with my left flap led to 3 surgeries in 4 days.....4 blood transfusions.... and a 7day regimen of leeches. I am happy to be home to say the least. Down from 5 drains to 3 just this past Monday and an thinking that one more might come out tomorrow. I hate drains! Lol I am sure that's our mantra for the first few weeks. I am sorry to hear that many of us are having issues. This is not an easy road. I keep thinking about my sisters baby due in 3 weeks and that's what gets me thru. Something to look forward to that has nothing to do with cancer.



Yesterday started having some pain in my stomach...just above and to the left of my new belly button. Kinda feels like something open and closing very quick. Hurts but is not painful. Anyone else experience something like this?



I am glad to see us on the other side of the surgery, but sad to see so many issues. Hang in there everyone...... we just keep on keeping on!

Nel138281

Good morning to all,

I had no internet access yesterday and it felt like withdrawal not being able to see how everyone is doing.  I am sorry so many are struggling, there is no straight road for any of us here.  It is beautiful in Masssachusetts this AM, I am working but then intend to go home and take my dog for a bit of a walk.  Someplace in there is a nap. 

Good thoughts and a peaceful day to all

Nel

Layla2525

Barbiecorn,I had my bmx with TE on 2/13 and went back to work 3/05 (I work 10 hr days to get a weekday off,desk job consultg) and I was fine with a couple of Tylenol but i got my fill on 03/07 for 100cc,dunno what the rush is to put so much in at once. After the fill was my worse part, I am gonna call in sick today and try to get enuff comfort to pick up a few things at the store and maybe a pizza (I like to put all my veggies on the Kashi pizza) I dont think most people go back to work in only 3 wks but I felt fine except the TE were like barbed wire bra.  The barb wire feeling is gone so I guess the TE lift as they say on these threads after first fill. I feel better this morng,gonna take a hot shower,that always helps. I cleared it all with the PS except she doesnt know I am taking TyCo#3 instead of the Ty over the counter cuz I am in so much pain. Dont think she believes me when I tell I am so NOT numb at all. I have a few areas near the incision where it feels like there is a thin fabric over my skin but the rest of me is same as ever. I had the skin sparing mx and dermal matrix and the drs research area shows the drs put more saline in when you have the dermal matrix things are spose to go faster...but what is the rush?!!! Hope everyone is good. You know the link on here  for "fight like a girl" doesnt she get her exchange surg 2moro? Is that LesleyZ?

Bern25

Hi Ladies,

I guess with all the stuff going on, having this done, waiting on this or that to come back and all the other things that keep your mind driven, today I have nothing to do but wait till monday.  I feel exhusted.  The weather is so nice out, almost like spring fever is setting in. In a month hopefully we are all relaxing and taking a well deserved break from our worries. Resting comfortable, showered, shaved and drain free. Wishing everyone the best  today.  For everyone who has returned to work take it slow, you are worth every ounce of care for yourself. Galsal, "take a nap" if the other stuff can wait. Be good to yourselves!

Dixiemine30

Barbie  - I was BMX on 2/2/12 and I returned to 9 hour work days this week.  I also have a desk job and a very understanding supervisor.  Fortunately, other than some rib pain (TE rubbing) from sitting up straight in a chair all day, I haven't had any problems.  I've even gotten so engrossed on the project I'm working on, I felt like a normal person for a few hours :-)  Granted, I am completely spent when I get home.  I immediately shower and put on the PJs cause I've been falling asleep early every evening.....but it sure feels good to be productive again!!