June 2012 Mastectomy

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  • JenH13
    JenH13 Member Posts: 183
    edited June 2012

    Corky,

    I know each person is different with their dx and their treament.  I am stage II, triple positive.  My largest tumor was 2.2 cm but when they did the MRI they found 6 possible other tumors all in the right side.  The left side was clean but with so many on the right side it made me worry.  My BS said I didnt have to do the left that it was my choice.  I am opting to do them both because I am scared of the chance of reoccurance in the other side.  This is a hard decision and I think very personal for each person.  For me it was a no brainer.. i wanted to remove everything that could possibly hurt me now or in the future (I am 38).  Could I still have a reoccurance? sure but hopefully this will help reduce that.  Not sure if that helps or not, but thats just my story :)  You have to think and do whats best for you.  maybe get a 2nd opinion if that will help.  Good luck!!

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    7of9, I'm glad for your good path report, but so sorry to hear about your dad's death. I pray you & your mom will be comforted by memories of the good times with your dad and of his love for you both.

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    Got my path report today: IDC, under 2cm all 3 dimensions; lesion is "partially subadjacent" to the skin, 0.1 cm from the skin and 0.3 cm from the deep margin. On microscopic examination the surgical margins including deep margin are clear. Overlying skin is unremarkable. Cancer of 1mm greatest dimension found in one sentinel node; the other two sentinel nodes and a few other nodes that got scooped up along with them are clear.

    I will check with my-brother-the-doctor and verify with the surgeon but I think I have escaped the dreaded rads (yay!!) and will need to talk to the MO about whether chemo is appropriate or not.

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  • Lisa143
    Lisa143 Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2012

    7of9 I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. You will have a guardian angel always looking over you <3
    <br />

    Tellie_savalis I am in the same boat as you. My BS said they will remove the right breast at the time of reconstruction. I am doing radiation this summer and after that my PS said he would do the surgery 6 months after my last treatment. I am doing DIEP. She said that since BMX is such a major surgery and you can not use both hands to wait till I have my reconstruction she said it is summer enjoy the weather since I just got done with chemo we had a long discussion about this and she she won. I am happy with this decission. I have to remember to just take one step at a time.



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  • taismommy
    taismommy Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2012

    7of9 my deepest condolences to you and your family!

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  • taismommy
    taismommy Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2012

    jenH13, you and I have the same exact story! age and everything. I also chose to remove both breast(june 22) to reduce my chances of reoccurance. Wow!

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    I'm so sorry 7of9 :(

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    7of9...losing a parent suddenly is one of the most traumatic experiences. I'm very sad for you. My husbands family lost two family members suddenly two years ago and it is a lot to cope with. Praise God that your results from the path were good! Imagine having to walk through mourning your loss with bad news re your surgery? I know it's little consolation at time like this...but it's something good.



    You are in my prayers for sure at this time.

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  • 3kidsmom
    3kidsmom Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2012

    7of9-I am so sorry for your loss.  I can't imagine what you are going through.  I need to spend more time with my parents. 

    Sandpiper1- Good luck tomorrow.  I am praying for you.

    Karen

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  • Lynn27
    Lynn27 Member Posts: 110
    edited June 2012
    Hello everyone!

    I'm posting on behalf of my mother, who had her double mastectomy and free tissue reconstruction surgery for DCIS on Friday. She wanted me to tell everyone that she is doing very well and her nodes are clean! She's out of the ICU and hopes to be home by Friday. The doctors and nurses are all pleased by the surgeries and her recovery.

    She has been telling me about this site a lot lately. I'm so glad that she has had you as part of her support system the last few weeks.

    Thank you everyone. I wish you all the best!

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    sandpiper1, I pray you will have a successful SNB today--sentinel nodes easily located, and all of them clear of cancer.

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  • kirwin524
    kirwin524 Member Posts: 47
    edited June 2012

    7of9 so sorry about your loss no words are adequates so just sending you hugs and payers hang in there



    I am home from my surgery yesterday. Glad it's behind me and I just had lumpectomy so not as drastic as most of you but the SNB turned into an axillary something with my BS confirming cancer in at least one node. I am so scared at that but hoping it is not as dire as it feels. I have a drain which I wasn't expecting and a port. Follow up not till 19th so just going to have to keep my mind busy.



    Pain is there but am managing just fine with the pain meds. Am hoping I can get more mobile soon.



    Hugs to all who are healing and hugs and prayers to all who are going thru surgery today and rest of month.

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited June 2012

    Hello June 2012 ladies.... i just wanted to pop in and wish each of you well..... I was a June 2011 BMX gal and it will be one year since my surgery this Thursday (6/14) for me....

    I just want you all to know that as scary as this is right now, I promise you there is light at the end of the dark breast cancer tunnel.  I was diagnosed on 4/29/11 at the age of 35 with stage IIa IDC.... opted for a BMX w/ immediate expanders and found out a week after my surgery that my supposed negative sentinel node really was positive for cancer.... I ended up going through 6 rounds of TAC and finished in Dec. 2011.... still working on growing some of my hair back, I had it 1/2 way down my back before this rollercoaster started!! 

    Anyways.... last summer is definitely in my rear view mirror now.... and i never thought I would reach a point that I could say that.... so i just thought I would pop in here to all of you and let you all know there is an end to the madness..... and "normal life" awaits you all once again!!!

    Hang in there.... healing vibes and gentle hugs to each of you!!!!!!

    Jenn :)

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  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2012

    7of9 - I am so very sorry for your loss.  I am praying that God gives you and your mom comfort during this time of extreme sorrow and that you can find some strength and happiness in the memories of good times spent with you dad.  Sending love! 

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  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2012

    arghhh.  Going crazy.  Stupid PET scan tomorrow so I can't do anything considered "rigorous activity".  Now that I finally feel good enough to do rigorous activities I can't.  Ppptthhh!

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  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2012

    lynn27- glad your nodes were clean!  and that you are doing well.  Thoughts are with you and hope you get to go home tomorrow.

    Corky

    Editted to add that friday is not tomorrow, I just thaought it was.  Hope she is home on Friday.

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  • beata44
    beata44 Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2012

    Hello, I'm joining the group.  My BMX is scheduled for June 20.  I'm starting to get so nervous, partially about the surgery but mostly about praying for clean nodes.

    I'll be thinking of all you ladies.

    Beata 

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  • Ami1026
    Ami1026 Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2012

    Hi June sisters -  I'm all done and home from the hospital (they let me go at noon today!)

    But first of all, 7of9 I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Big hug for you.

    I know I'll just be repeating what has already been said by those of us who've been through the surgery and on the other side, but.... it honestly was much better than I had worked myself up to think.  It is so true.  And the relief of finally having it over with is immense.  I think the nurses thought I was coo-coo for cocoa puffs because I was laughing and joking around most of the time.  It was such a weight lifted off my shoulders!  Doc said the 3 sentinal nodes were clean, so didn't have to take them all out (phfeeeew!)  I can move my arm pretty well, even managed to tie up my hair, wash my face, slap a little makeup on in the hospital.  Its definately sore and achy, but nothing pain relievers can't dull.  My surgery was at 2pm, got to my room at 6 and ate half a cheeseburger and a cup of ice cream before 7!  Everyone was so nice, in and out all the time asking if I needed anything.  I felt guilty almost, because I'm like - I feel really good!  Drain is a pain of course.  Stings like heck when I strip it, and its very tender where it's laying under my skin up top, but only temporary.

    I hope everyone else upcoming has such a good experience.  Now I just have my fingers and toes crossed for the final path report on Friday. Last obstacle.  Prayers for all of you!

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  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2012

    Yeah Ami!  Good for you! Will be praying for a good path report and quick healing for you!

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    ami i am so glad you are well!! i was praying for you today.  i wrote out all our names on my calendar journal they give all the breast cancer girls at our clinic, and i have little hearts around the girls who've gone already and im praying for you guys every time i open my book!! touching your names and praying for your kiddies and hubbies and parents and families.  praying for your surgeons and anaesthesiologists...praying for help with housework and praying for stuff to do in bed so we don't die of boredom! lol.

    guys...im very very very nervous.  i went to the preop today...it was fine, nothing weird or scary....i just really want this to be over.  and i want clear nodes.  I want no evidence of disease!

    the anaesthesiologist explained the morphine pump to me. said i can dose myself every seven minutes!!! my LORD that is a lot of drugs. anyways, he said that the pump is on a pause mode so i can't overdose by accident which was so reassuring!! i had nightmares of pressing the button too much and getting all messed up on morphine.  its funny that im so scared of it. i was telling my auntie how i'll be in bed for a time after my surgery all hopped up on opiates, watching movies and she siad..."hmm...sounds fun!" lol. i lauged out loud so hard. to me it sounds terrifying!!

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    kirwin524 - don't stress too much about the node returning positive.  there is nothing you can do about it but move forward.  I know it is easier to say, but I was where you are in Dec.  You'll learn more when the final path results come back, but for now your job is to heal.

    Ami - glad you are doing well.  I am feeling pretty calm all things considered, but it really helps to hear how well everyone is doing.  I am just so happy to get this port out, I'm not worrying about the rest. 

    tellie - good luck with the PET scan tomorrow.  What helped me was knowing that I had 6 segments of 4 minutes.  It helped me countdown through the scan so Iknew how much I had left.  You might want to ask if you think that would help, every 4 minutes he would move the table and I knew i was 1/6 closer to being done.

    hugs to all those healing and to all those stressing

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    guys whats the deal with expanders and nodes anyways?  can u get rads with the TE in place?  can u get chemo while getting fills for the TE? that is....if one goes in for surgery and gets TE put in but nodes come back positive...what then?

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  • 3kidsmom
    3kidsmom Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2012

    Lynn 27- I am so happy to hear you are on the other side and have clean nodes. 

    Kirwin - Glad your surgery is over.  I am sorry about the positive node. I hope that's the only one.  Take care of yourself.

    Ami- It's wonderful you are doing well and have that heavy weight lifted.  I pray you have an excellent path report. 

    Tellie- Good luck on your pet scan, May everything be clear.

    NanG-  NED prayers being said. 

    NED prayers for everyone!

    Karen

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    i wish you could 'like' comments on here similar to facebook.!!

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    @NanG, If it was possible I would "like" your "Epitaph for my breasts" thread. You are a good writer! I've tried to write down a sort of meditation that was prompted by something the tech said while I was getting my SNB injection last week, but can't seem to get it from my brain onto the paper.

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  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2012

    @Nan - I am getting TE's and I will have RADS after.  They said they may have to deflate the TE on the right during RADS, and then re-start fills once RADS is over.  So, yes you can get TEs and then have RADS.  I'm pretty sure you can get chemo also...don't know why it would interfere.  Just my experience. <3

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited June 2012

    7, So sorry to hear of your loss. :(

    So nice to read about everyone's progress to date.



    My SNB went very well today.

    Thank you for the kind words and positive thoughts.



    Will check back later as I am able. Staying with family as I cannot drive for 2 days.

    Wishing everyone continued healing and an enjoyable OTHD ;)



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  • kimkay10
    kimkay10 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2012

    Had my left breast mx on June 8 Friday.  They gave me versed in the waiting area and I fell right to sleep.  I am soooo surprised at how easy everything has been.  My DH stayed home with me until yesterday, so Sat Sun Mond Tuesday.  Now its wednesday and i find that I can get up, empty my drains, drink my coffee, and then go for a walk.  The pain is surprisingly ok.  About a 2.  I am taking vidodin every 5 hours (one) and it seems to hold the pain very well.  Yesterday was the first day that I confronted having my DH help me change the dressing where the drains are and I found it to be my biggest hurdle, having my husband see the flat chest with no breast.  He was great and didn't even flinch when he saw it.  Every day is better and I can feel my body getting stronger every day. 

    I am sooo glad to be on the other side of the MX and am feeling great now that the cancer is out of my body!  Good luck to all of you guys who still have the MX to go.  Its not as bad as you think it is going to be! 

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    I don't see anyone scheduled for surgery today, so prayers of thanksgiving for kimkay10 being back with us and the other successful MXs, SNBs and reconstructions so far. Thanksgiving for hubbies like kimkay's and moms like mine who help us out when we need it. Thanksgiving for the smooth recoveries and clear path reports this month. Continued prayers for comfort to 7of9 and her mom as they grieve for her father. Prayers for wisdom & skill of doctors and clarity for us as we make decisions about the rest of our treatment such as chemo, radiation, hormone meds and reconstructive surgery.

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    Absolutely continued prayers and kind thoughts for 7of9. If there is any good from this hateful disease it is that I am more acutely aware of how fragile life is. Not just my own, but everyone.



    Kimkay - glad you are home and comfy.



    My surgery is tomorrow. I just took my last shower, they are marking me today and I'm not supposed to shower tomorrow. I looked down at my boobs and for now I'm ok. I think what helps me is the port and lx scar. It's easing me into the idea that my chest hasn't been fully mine or my friend for awhile



    BUT I am doing an extremely happy eye lash dance. I see one coming through. Now I have been teased in the past by residual eye makeup, but this is definitely not makeup :)

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