Recurrence and many questions....

wrsmith2x

I have had a recurrence which as far we know at this time is local.  Once they do the BMX with axillary node removal then I will know about node involvement.  I have had a dry cough for months so naturally I am concerned about mets to the lungs.  I have already had a bone scan to rule out bone mets - clear - and the insurance company doesn't want to pay for the PET scan to rule out the rest.  My question for ladies with lung mets....what were your symptoms, if any? 

I am not that concerned about losing my breasts but worry about lymphadema (sp?) instead.  Can it be kept at bay?

I plan on TRAM reconstructive surgery at time of BMX......what's that like? 

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!

hydeskate

I was dx out of the gate with Stage IV, liver and lungs.  The CT scan showed my lungs covered with small spots especially left lung (same side as tumor).  After I started chemo they slowly disappeared.  The only sympton I had was shortness of breath.

If I am not mistaken a Chest x-ray can show if you have METS in the lungs.  My doctor rotates between a CT Scan and Chest x-ray every 3 months. 

yellowdoglady

wrsmith2x,

I was told the chance of lyphedema was about 50% when I had 14 lymph nodes removed.  A couple of years later it became 100%.  I was angry that no one had told me what to look for or notice, and by the time I caught it it was a lifetime thing.  Irreversible, but very controllable.  After having that arm wrapped like a mummy and suffering for a few days to bring the swelling down, I just wear a compression sleeve at home and at work.  Otherwise, that arm is the same as the other.  It measures about a quarter inch larger around.  That is not your biggest concern, but do get a referral to a lymphedema therapist so you can call when and if you spot a problem, so it doesn't get out of control.

christina1961

I had unilateral MX with 16 nodes removed then radiation. Before surgery, I made an appointment with a certified lymphadema therapist and got baseline measurements of my arm.   He measured the circumference in several places.  I had my PT measure a few weeks ago and so far so good but I haven't been very active so I don't know if it will make a difference once I become more physically active again- riding bikes, raking, etc.  I have vacuumed and swept and certainly lifted 40 lbs or more with both arms since surgery and radiation, though.  

yellowdoglady

christina1961,

You should be okay. You did everything just right. If you have a problem, you know where to go.  My dad had lymphedema so bad they would have amputated his arm but he wouldn't allow it, even though it was so painful and so enormous he had to carry a cushion with him to rest it on and that arm was useless to him.  It was like a huge flipper on his side that did nothing for him but cause him pain.  My lymphedema therapist says that never happens anymore, but it did less than 10 years ago, and no one should wait so long for treatment that they should have to face that.     

Momine

Make sure you get a PT right after surgery to monitor and prevent lymphedema. Apart from the fact that a good PT can really help you, the treatment (light massage basically) is soothing and pleasant, so this can be a bright spot during a time when most of your treatment is likely to be unpleasant.

I did not have reconstruction, so I can't advise you on that. I had initially wanted immediate recon, but was not a candidate in the end. After reading and considering, I am inclined to skip it, so in a way I am glad to have had the extra time although I was bummed at first.