Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

ndroby

Hi Raelan,

Glad you are doing well. I am scheduled for PBMX with TEs on Tuesday the 10th. I cannot decide if I dread the injection for the SLN biopsy more than the surgery. I have ALH and ADH in the right breast, but still have a chance of cancer being hidden in my dense breasts. The BS wants a SLN biopsy in case there is a cancer so they don't have to go in and do axillary dissection at a later surgery. Interesting how different surgeons have different approaches to this surgery. There is another BS in my town who does the implants immmediately...no TEs. Rest well.

ppeople

Glad you post op gals are on the mend.  No more surgeries for the week, right?

Photogamy-you are on the list!

Two glasses of wine tonight with my post mastectomy friend, just another reminder that this too shall pass.  She says she almost never thinks of it any more, BMX no recon 5 years out.  Good to keep in mind.

Amy-Bo-Bamy

Hello everyone-

I am trying to decide between a lumpectomy w radiation, or a mastectomy. No chemo No radiation. I am grateful to be stage 1- yet won't know more until surgery. 

Due to a weird MRI- by an imaging center my BS doesn't trust- I can get a lumpectomy and radiation- then wait 18 mths for MRI to see if there is any insitu....   and worry...or just go for mastectomy and be gone with it.  Heard lumpectomy and radiation can be painful, and hardening etc.   plus won't have peace of mind.   Mastectomy-  could get a new boob  lol     leaning towards mastectomy for peace of mind-   anyone have any input? I have to make my decision by Monday.  It's been almost 2 mths since biopsy- I need this cut out!  Thanks    I look forward to learning and sharing.

hmm..been reading posts. I don't know the terms or anything yet-  a lot to learn and fast!

ppeople

the two things that convinced me are:

no breast=no breast cancer (or almost none)

remaining breast=remaining worry, forever

plus, I had a lumpectomy on my right breast already, so I can see that it is disfiguring (lumpectomy sounds so tiny and delicate, it is not, it is more like a chunk-ectomy as a big piece is removed)

That about sums it up for me.

The problem is that there is no absolutely right answer, you need to find the one that is right-ish for you.  This is all a gray area, and very personal.

FLislander

Just a quick note on the sentinel node injection. It was just 2 shots, didn't really feel it go in but stung for about 10 min after. Not bad..

Raelan

I agree.  The SNL injection was a piece of cake.  My Radiologist numbed me slighly first then injected the dye.  I didn't feel a thing.  It's really nothing to worry about.  

Decided I'm going to try to wean myself off pain meds today.  So, the plan is to go with Tylenol during the day and pain meds by night.  I think I'll be ok.  Slept like a drunken sailor last night, and noticed my swelling is starting to go down, so am feeling pretty good at this point.  I definitely encourage those of you who are post op to try and get up and move around as much as possible without over-exterting yourself.  I can tell it's really making a difference in my case.  Now I just need to get some Milk of Magnesia to get my bowels moving and I should be in good shape 

lisamarie68

Amy bo bamy , I agree with plymouth that it is a very personal decision and you need to do what is best for you . I belive for me I am a worrier , I have LCIS and ADH in my right breast .. I had an excisional biopsy and I am forever lopsided as it they did a chunk ectomy too... so I fugure instead of Tamoxifen for 5 years with close montioring and maybe more biopsies .. I will just do PBMX without nipple sparing so I have the least amount in any chance of a breast cancer ... so as u see everyone is different and its a touchy subject ,.. best to you in your journey .. 

I am glad all the ladies are home fom surgery and resting well. glad u are all back  

ppeople

arenee, how are you doing?

i hope you are well, and, selfishly, I am using you as my bell weather, as you were the only one so far with TEs put in.  Is that right?

I am worried about post op pain.

arenee98

Hi, plymouthpeople!

I did get TEs put in and today the pain is very bearable.  It's amazing how it went from Tuesday night's I-Think-I'm-Going-to-Die to yesterday and today's really okay pain.  I am taking painkillers and muscle relaxants regularly and that does help.  I won't lie, though, the first 24-72 hours was seriously rough.  I was hitting that morphine pump button every 10 minutes and it still hurt like I couldn't believe.  My PS had a compression wrap around me so tight I could hardly breathe and once I got that off, the pain abated a lot.  A friend had told me it takes 3 days so hang in there, and I have to say she was right.  

 I don't know if the TEs contributed to the pain I had or not.  I kind of think it was more the chemo...I had my chemo before surgery and the Taxol really has done a number on the muscles in my legs; they get tired and achy very easily, so I wonder if that contributed to my chest muscles hurting so much.  

 Drains really aren't that bothersome (I have 2) so far.  Although I'm attempting my first post op shower tonight so we'll see how they do in that arena.  I haven't got up the courage yet to look at my incisions but I probably will soon.  Hubby saw them and said it was no big deal.  

 God bless you and I hope it all goes well.  I hope you are one of the many ladies with no pain at all!   Happy Easter!

Dianarose

Hi Amy bo bamy- It is a hard decision, but my own experience is I wish I had done the mastectomy the 1st time when it was DCIS and LCIS because now I am stage 3a 7 and a half years later. My cancer is lobular and was not detected on mammograms, ultra soung, or even 2 MRI's. They went in to get a 8mm ductal tumor and found all the hidden lobular. I wish I had had my head on straight like Lisa Marie does the first time. Not everyones cancer comes back, but this is just my story. I wish you all the best with what ever you decide.

Can someone tell me how often you will be going for fills. I am sure my ps told me, but it's all a blur right now. I am getting a little nervous with the 11th approaching soon. I am glad that all who have gone before me are recovering and doing ok. Have a great Easter everyone.

longislandmom

Amy Bo Bamy - if you read my posts, you will see that i was in the exact same position one month ago.  my diagnosis of DCIS/LCIS was on March 12.  After wrestling with Lump/RAD vs. BMX, i made the decision to go the BMX route because it feels like the best way to close this awful chapter and move on with my life. I'm scheduled for April 23rd. But the decision is indeed personal, with others taking a different route.  best of luck to you.

So glad to hear the other April post BMX girls are feeling good!!!  you are inspiring> Peace. 

ppeople

Hi Arenee!

Thanks for your reply.  Glad to hear you are doing well, sorry the first days were hard.  I hear that it is the TE process that leads to pain, as it is a muscle injury; the breast injury is only skin, fat, glandular and gives less pain, or so I understand.

I am envious of those of you who have mothers, sisters, daughters to help you.  I have a wonderful, but too young daughter, and a son and husband.  My 13 year old son lives in constant fear that I'll say the word "breast" which practically gives him a seizure. 

So , I feel alone and because I dont have extended family, and I want my husband to go home to be with the kids after surgery, I just hired a post op private duty nurse to be with me the first night (in the hospital).  I felt too afraid to stay there alone.  Is that silly, I think my husband thinks it is (I really dont care, it is my boob chopping after all).  Just thought I'd share.

ppeople

Dianarose,

I will be filled at 40% at mastectomy and the rest later.  I think the # of fills depends on final size desired and size of implants.  I did not get a # from ps.

Dianarose

plymouthpeople- my son will be 13 next month and he is such a big help. He even help change and tape the bandage under my arm. He is not afraid of any of this other than he worries I might die. Your son is funny. He sounds like he is shy. My daugher is an RN, but she lives in NC. I wish she could be here to help out. I am going to have a visiting nurse come in when I get home. My BF is going to do the drain tubes. I don't want to do it. I don't even want to look at it.

I don't think it is silly that you don't want to be alone. My BF is going to spend the night sleeping in the chair by my bed. I already told him he is not allowed to leave. What ever gives us comfort. I see your surgery is on the 18th, mine is the 11th. I will let you know how it goes. Good luck to you and all whose surgeries are coming up. Have a great Easter.

ppeople

Thanks dianarose, I am glad you have good help at home.  Thanks for the affirmation. 

In my family, I am the RN, doesnt do me much good for myself though!

Judy6

Hi ladies. Sorry I haven't updated, I just haven't felt like much. I am feeling better and better as time goes by.  There are a few important thngs that I wanted to share with those of you that haven't had surgery yet.

1.) Ask your doctor for some EMLA cream. It is a numbing cream that I put on my breast just before I left the house and it really helped with the injections for the SNB.

2.) Make sure you get some silky pajama bottoms. I know that you will think that this is not a priority, but I promise you it is.  I had the PACU nurse help me put them on before going to my regular room.  It was so easy to slide over to the bed with slippery pants on.  After that they are a blessing just to be able to adjust yourself in bed. I bought mine at a goodwill store for 2.00.  That was the best money spent. I wish I would have bought about 10 pair because I don't want to even take them off to get washed.

3.) If you can have someone stay with you overnight that wll be great.  The nurses are wonderful but they are so busy.  My husband stayed with me and was an angel.

That is my two cents.  If I think of anything else I will let you know. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.  xoxox

Love,

Judy:)

Judy6

I forgot to add that my nodes were clean, and I only have one drain.  Woot- woot!!!!

ppeople

Hurray Judy6!!!!

Glad to hear from you and that nodes are good!  Can Emla be used on drain sites too?

Judy6

I don't know about the drain sites, sorry.

ppeople

Keonghi, Thinking of you today as you prepare for tomorrow.

longislandmom

Keonghi -  thinking of you today.  good luck tomorrow!

VeganGal

HI Amy . . . while I never had the option of lumpectomy (left breast "full" of 7 tumors - DCIS and LCIS both) . . . I did elect to do BMX for the reasons that a lot of the ladies noted. Infact, Plymouth People said it best. No breast = no breast cancer. I just coudn't imagine going through this a second time. Once is more than enough for me. And, you will hear here that there are women who had lumpectomies and had to go back for mastecomies . . .

But . . . like everyone is saying . . . it is personal indeed.

Best of luck. Not an easy decision . . .

K.

Mardibra

I'm one of the gals who started with a lumpectomy last October and am going in for a mastectomy on Friday. They could not get clear margins so off it goes!



Good luck with your decision...a tough one.

keonghi

Thanks ladies for the well wishes. 

It's been a very emotional day talking to my family as though I am going away somewhere.  Laundry - check, packed - check, fridge stocked with frozen meals - check, pjs and sweatshirts that button or zip - check, pillows for ride home - check...I hope I have everything!  Looking forward to getting this over with.

Good luck as well to

4/10 ndroby

4/11 Gabsbaba, dianarose, photogamy

4/12 Sony, Carol50

4/13 Mardibra

See you all on the "other side!" (((((HUGS))))) and prayers!

VeganGal

Keonghi, ndroby, Gabsbaba, dianarose, photogamy, Sony, Carol50, and Mardibra

To all of you SS's this week . . . I am thinking of you all . . . sending hugs of healing . . .

Looking forward to hearing from all of when on the other side.

xoxoxox

Mardibra

Many thanks. Starting to get nervous. But, those who have had surgery already and have been giving updates somehow have made my nerves not too bad. Thank you!

Mardibra

Best wishes to all going under this week.

rtnyc

here is a question for anyone who wants to respond:  Here is the situation:  If you had a stressful job, (corporate sale and markeitng) work 8:30 -8 most days, your bosses are telling you to take care of yourself and take the time you need, surgery is April 23, may - Oct is the most busy time for work. between corporate benefits and shortitme disabitlity I'll get full pay and allowed 26 weeks for the year.  would you take the month of surgery go back and then take another month at stage II and more time for stage III etc. Or just take what I need straight through and get it all done and not deal with the emotional ups and down of being at work and then not???  Any thoughts?

rtnyc

Keonghi, ndroby, gabsbab, dianarose,photogam, sony carol50 and Mardibra:  Good luck this week; xoxo

VeganGal

Rtnyc. Do you have to decide now? Is it possible to wait and see how you feel post surgery? I know that everyone heals differently. You may need lots of time, but you may also want to go back. Also, given that you likely wont know about chemo or anything until a few weeks after surgery (at least that is what I have told) you may want to delay your decision and take a wait-and-see approach.