September 2012 Surgery

Jennt28

Am feeling good this morning! Am forgoing the oxycontin slow release dose and will try just the Tramadol and panamax today.



So glad to see more good path/histo reports and sorry about the delay on the others...



Went for a very short walk along our street yesterday and plan some more walking today although the sun has disappeared and we now have rain :-/



My lumpectomy last December left me with ongoing daily pain in that breast and it is so lovely to be free of it. The histology from that breast showed cysts, scarring and the reactive node - all of which could have caused the pain.



Jenn

Jennt28

Just thought I'd pop this up. Not sure if there were changes after I went into surgery...



20 Aug 2012

Sandlake - hysterectomy



4 Sept 2012

Trinity0723 - MX (left)



5 Sept 2012

Leah_S - MX on remaining side plus bilateral TE placement



6 Sept 2012

leahlee - excisional biopsy

katylynn - BMX with TEs



7 Sept 2012

KnBsAngel - MX with TE

marianelizabeth - lumpectomy, SNB

the5owens - lumpectomy

Momluke - MX (left) with reconstruction and symmetric surgery



10 Sept 2012

Sandlake - BMX with TEs

ohiobecky - MX (left)

java11 - MX with DIEP (left), reduction (right)



11 Sept 2012

SweetCaroline2 - MX, Lat Dorsi with TE

Tzvia - MX with TE

mrskimber47 - BMX with implants

SAR843 - BMX, DIEP/TRAM



13 Sept 2012

cthynsh - lumpectomy, SNB

cjw75 - BMX



14 Sept 2012

kittykoma05 - BMX with TEs



17 Sept 2012

positivenergy - BMX with DIEP



18 Sept 2012

gajor4 - MX with bilateral DIEP

4caseygirl - BMX

SooZQ - BMX with TEs

Sharon1942 - UMX with DIEP



19 Sept 2012

michellej1980 - BMX, DIEP

cathyann - MX



20 Sept 2012

LockeKopp - BMX with LD and TE

RainMaze - BMX



24 Sept 2012

Sneakychiquita - skin-sparing UMX with TE reconstruction

Mumtobe - MX

annievan - TE to implant exchange

KellieDenise66 - BMX with TEs



25 Sept 2012

Teri060811 - BMX

FightingLikeAGirl - BMX with TEs



26 Sept 2012

sandrav - bilateral DIEP

triplem67 - BMX



27 Sept 2012

kmfrost - UMX/BMX (deciding)

scared2death2 - BMX



28 Sept 2012

Jennt28 - BMX, muscle sparing free TRAM

Dakota212 - BMX with TEs

robertson8272 - MX with a SNB and LAT Flap With TE



1 Oct 2012

kltb04 - BMX with TEs



15 Oct 2012

rozem - BMX with TE's and lat dorsi flap (on the radiated side)



unknown date

Bargala - BMX with TEs

LyndaMarie - BMX with TEs

michellej1980

Dakota212 - I had a lot of numbness after my SNB followed by what felt like sunburn on the inside of my arm. It got better though. The back of my arm is still quite numb.



I got my pathology results today. My tumour was a lot bigger than I was expecting - 45mm. Since it couldn't be felt and could only be detected on an MRI I was expecting it to be small. There was also 'extensive' vascular invasion. I don't know much about that yet but it doesn't sound good! The report mentions something called the Nottingham Prognostic Index, for which my score is 3.9. This has also got me worried because when I look it up I find I have only a 'moderate prognosis'. Had the tumour been smaller, my score would have been much lower. :-(



My BS was talking very positively but I can't help feel a bit demoralised. I have an appointment with the oncologist next week to discuss the possibility of chemo and whether it will add any real benefit. From what the BS was saying, it's not going to be clear cut and the decision will be down to me. I hate the thought of it (been there, done that for lymphoma) but at the same time feel I need to do anything and everything I can to make sure I defeat this beast!



I spoke to the breast care nurse afterwards who had my report with her and I asked her if I could have a copy. She said I could but that she couldn't give it to me and I would have to write a letter to the healthcare records dept asking for it. Ridiculous! Years ago I was regularly given copies of scan reports without such bureaucracy! Anyway, while she was out of the room I whipped out my iPhone and took pictures of all 4 pages! Granted, I don't understand most of it but at least I now have all the facts ready for when I come across information and want to relate it to my own BC situation.



This next week is going to drive me nuts as I consider what I should do. I'm sure the oncologist will give me plenty of statistics which are good to know, but that I also realise do not tell my individual odds - nothing can do that. My main concern about chemo is hair loss which is stupid as I've been through it before and dealt with it. It's just that one thing that makes me feel insecure and self-conscious. The one thing i can't really hide and that tells the whole world I have (or had) cancer. Ugh.

Jennt28

Good girl on taking the photos of your results. I know that in the UK, like here in Australia, your records don't belong to "you" like they do in the US.



I have been very lucky so far with all my drs willingly giving me copies of reports etc thank goodness.



Jenn

Dakota212

Michelle that's awesome!!!

I don't have a copy if mine yet but will tomorrow. I don't think it's the best news but not the worst either. My guess is I will fall into that grey area also. The tough part with me is that my sister had BC twice she opted for no chemo or radiation the first time. Now I know we are two different people but..... Who knows. Anyway this too shall pass right???

Dakota212

Oh and what is extensive vascular invasion???

Jennt28

I means that your tumour had grown into blood vessels. I had it too in both my breast and my positive node.



This does mean that it is more likely that BC cells have escaped to other parts of your body and makes chemo (systemic treatment) much more likely to be suggested.



I would also push for a full body scan, including brain, to make sure the cancer has not established anywhere else. I had a full scan and felt much better knowing no signs of macro disease anywhere else.



Jenn

Dakota212

Thanks jenn

As I said I figured not the worst case scenario but not the best either!!

KellieDenise66

Hi Girls,

Just checking in. Been following your posts, but believe it or not even typing hurt like hell. Back on full doses of Percocet, cant sleep. My darling kids aren't so cute these days. It hurts too much to get up and ring their necks, but it also hurts too much to scream, so the little thugs are ruling the house getting away with murder!!!

My PS doesnt think I have an infection just thinks I over did it. Dont know how?! I feel like I'm sprouting roots on my sofa.

Go back Friday to recheck the necrosis on right nipple, not too sure how all that works. Also can't compare a lot of particulars on my TE pain since mine were placed over the pecs. I can feel them rubbing on my sternum, still can't lean forward, but can't lean back either.



Michelle- way to go with the iPhone! Stinks that you had to sneak copies of YOUR own records. You're so right, it is ridiculous. Wonder if the nurse left them behind on purpose? Your quick thinking cracked me up though!



Momluke- glad to hear your lump was scar tissue!



Jenn sounds like you're getting back your Zen. Thanks Again for being the glue holding the group together.



As always Im thinking of each of you, and sending warm heartfelt thoughts.

michellej1980

Dakota - I see we're quite similar. Diagnosed just a couple of days apart, same breast, same grade, both BMX! Hoping your report comes back with decent results. Can I ask how old you are? I turn 32 at the end of this month.



Knowing of the vascular invasion makes me lean towards chemo. I wasn't expecting having to go through it as I was led to believe that I probably wouldn't need it and tamoxifen would be it. It's going to take some time to get used to the idea... Been reading the threads on cold caps. I'm definitely wanting to try that if I end up on chemo.



Funny thing is, when I received my diagnosis I said I would rather have chemo than have such drastic surgery (better the devil you know, I guess). Yet I dealt with the surgery fairly easily and just three weeks out feel surprisingly well. Looks like I'll have to go through both now! :-(



Argh, itchy cleavage again...! :-D

Dakota212

Kellie-

Can relate to the kid thing. My kids had Monday and Tuesday off school so yes a four day weekend and I can't drive. I am a single mom....ughhh it was tough. Sorry ur in so much pain😢

marianelizabeth

Sneakychiquita, I am fine too for awhile but then start researching and that is when I too would like to drink a few days away! But my BS put the fear in me about alcholol so very little since July. However that said, it has been a tough day so am about to pour a glass of wine to go with the spaghetti dinner I just put together! 

Dakota212

Hi Michelle

I am 40. I was figuring I would end up with chemo, my onco type score on biospy report was high. U probably read my sister has had breast cancer twice in the same breast the first time she did not do chemo and radiation by choice. I just assume with this part will buy my chemo. I don't want to loose my hair either bit I will take that step when I meet with the MO! Keep me updated !!! 😄😄😄

Sneakychiquita

Marian - Well, us ER+ gals are "allowed" 2 a week, so I think I'm going to pour myself a glass tonight as well 

Dakota/Michelle - Let us know what your treatment plan looks like once it's settled.  The gray zones pique my interest.

KellieDenise - My kid has totally got control of the house as well.  Her dad and I separated years ago, but we all live in the same house with him in the top floor suite, my daughter and I on the main level, and friends in the basement.  Her dad can make her dinner, but he does a lousy job at enforcing rules and making her follow through on chores.  I look at her room and shake my head just thinking of how many days it'll take me to clean it up.

Jenn - Good advice on the scans.  I'll keep that in my pocket if it turns out I had lymphovascular invasion.  

There's more I wanted to comment on, but I'm pooped and want my drink now.  Hang in there, everyone. 

Traii

Hi Cathyann

I too had a lumpectomy in Sept....following will be chemo then Mastectomy.... I only need in right breast however as I've had previous Hodgkin's Disease I am leaning towards both breasts being removed as I don't want to head down the same track in years to come when I may as well get it over and done with now.....and get both my boobies 'perky' looking .. lol

I actually think that the Axillary Lymph Node removal was worse for me (fluid looked like a massive orange in my armpit - I was walking around as if I had been to the gym and had huge muscles or something!!) I'm 2 weeks out now from having that and things are getting better no numbness and I can actually lift my arm up doing my hair a little more easier!!......

now for chemo to start on the 24th Oct ! Not scared of chemo either..... just my hair falling out for the 2nd time around.....thats my fear (crazy as it sounds) but so long as our health is on the mend then hair will come back soon enough...!

 Michelle, we have similiar stories...kids drive us crazy but got to love them...lol .... (mind you I only have 1 cheeky monkey little boy)! Hodgkin's Disease 1996 and Mantle Radiation which is probably most likely why we are meeting in this BC forum! ..... lol

Now...did someone say wine......LOL

Take care ladies

Mumtobe

Hi ladies,

Got my path report on Tuesday and the result was great thank God. Tumor was gone & complete regression in lymph nodes. There was a smidgeon of DCIS but that was it. The lumpectomy would probably have sufficed but I have no regrets having my MX. Thank you Jesus! Am so excited about my baby's eagerly awaited arrival. I'm being induced on the 22nd @ 38 wks. Having a gentle internal next wk and my doc thinks that might be enough to get labour started because baby has dropped so much. Come on my bumpy I can't wait to meet you xxx

Hope ye are all recovering well ladies, much love xxx

Sneakychiquita

Congrats Mumtobe!!!!  Your post made me smile and that's the first real smile I've had in days.  Let us know when babe arrives.

michellej1980

Hi Traii. Nice (as it can be in this situation!) to meet a fellow HD survivor. I'm glad I'm not the only one concerned about hair loss. I expected to be okay with it the second time round but I guess it'll never be desirable! Don't know if you've misunderstood, but I don't have any children...



I registered on AdjuvantOnline! this morning, pretending to be an oncology nurse! I was surprised and upset how much the size of my tumour affects my prognosis. It shows the benefit of chemo to be quite significant - more so than my BS hinted at yesterday. If my oncologist uses this tool, I'm fully expecting her to recommend chemo for me.



The tumour size is really playing on my mind. I know that last year's MRI showed an abnormality yet I received a letter saying the scan was 'satisfactory'. Had I seen the previous report, I would have questioned it and maybe something would have been done about it then. I don't know at what point my cancer became visible but it's something I need to know and have explained to me. From what I understand, tumours don't get to be 45mm in size in the space of a few months! :-(

ohiobecky

Hope everyone is doing well!

I am taking one more week off from work. I worked the entire 5 months of chemo and I think my body just decided it had enough and was going into hibernation mode.

Sad, I have to have my Mirena IUD taken out. I have barely had a period in 7 years due to the IUD. And now they are taking it out. I am 39 but I asked my RO to have FSH and LH blood tests done, still pre-menopausal. So I have to figure out what new method I would like to choose. Lol, and figure out how to use tampons or pads again!

Rads start next week. And my second dose of Herceptin since surgery.

I watched all of the seasons of Rescue Me since surgery. I just finished the last episode. And now I don't know what to do with myself. Any Netflix shows to watch?

Momluke

I was just told one of the characters was diagnosed with BC on NBC's Parenthood. I think its in its 3rd season. The earlier seasons are on Netflix...I was thinking about jumping in on that. My DH and I watch Netflix while his blood is pumping thru the dialysis machine...we do home hemo-dialysis.

Sneakychiquita

Momluke - Completely unrelated to BC, just wondering if the DH ever does exercise while on dialysis. I used to run exercise-based research studies for a nephrologist and I remember how many, but certainly not all, patients enjoyed cycling while sitting there.  The major benefit was improved cardiovascular health and less reliance on anti-hypertensives, but I remember that we also wanted to know if the increase in bloodflow improved the removal of urea.  I had to leave that study before it was finished so never saw the final numbers but I think we were seeing some benefit.  Anyways, just wanted to pass that along in case nobody has ever offered it to him before.  You can get these pedaling units that just rest on the ground so you can still stay in a normal chair.  And I'm totally going to check out Parenthood. 

Momluke

Sneaky....I've never heard of that before! Interesting! My DH was able to stop all anti-hypertensive meds because of the dialysis being done at home. He treats 5/7 days a week for about 4 hrs per day. The blood pressure benefit was one of the reasons he came home to do his treatments. Also, the side effects of massive muscular cramps are practically eliminated due to the slower pull.



My DH has also had 2 strokes (before the kidney failure) and he is compromised on the left. Not sure if he could keep the pedaling going. Tremendously interesting concept. I will definitely mention it to his nephrologist at his next appt.

KellieDenise66

Hey Momluke, it's way past your bedtime lady! Lol. Looks like the insomnia is still ruling the castle.

My DH travels to Charlotte quite a bit for work. He says it's beautiful. In fact he's leaving on the redeye Sunday. He's probably dying to get out of this house away from all my whining. He better not whistle when he packs! I'm calling in favors to get my munchkins to school while he's gone. Wonder when driving becomes a good thing? Can't imagine, unless it's in a straight line. How is your husband doing? It sounds like you two have been through quite a lot together. Real love!



Yes, I just caught an episode of parenthood. I missed the seasons opener but heard it was revealed at the end of that episode.

KellieDenise66

Sneaky, how are you feeling? I remember one of your old posts right after surgery and having to ask your ex to open up your child proof bottles. It cracked me up at the time, not knowing your living arrangements. I was picturing this guy driving over to your house in the middle of the night in his pajamas! Now it totally makes sense. What a cool way to raise your kiddo. I'll bet she loves having you both under the same roof.

Sneakychiquita

Hah! It wasn't the middle of the night, but I actually did make him leave work to open the bottles.  I thought he was my best option because at least he had a key to the house.  If I called my parents in for the job I would have had to get out of bed to unlock the door.

The kid does love having us both around (and we love not having to split time with her), but we've already started preparing her for the day when we go our separate ways.  She told me that she loves me but that she may choose to live with her dad instead because I make her do too many chores.  I'll have to start spoiling her with candy or something.

Throw a pillow at the DH if he starts to whistle.  No wait, I'm divorced, don't follow my relationship advice  

Hope you're healing well. 

Momluke

KellieDenise,

Its funny....we have been married for 23 years and up until now he has had all of the major medical issues. My hospital stays and profuse dr appointments over the years were all related to giving birth to our 5 kids. When this booger of a disease came along and invaded my body, it really through me for a loop. I handled all of my DH's dr appointments, medication refills...then all of the sudden the family calendar had my name on it.



My DH gets frustrated that he can't do a lot of the things he wants to do for me because of the strokes. Its hard for him to not to be able to reciprocate the care that I had given to him over the years. I try to reassure him all the time that his presence and obvious love for me is enough and that those 5 babies that he gave me (who are all practically grown, youngest almost 15) can do the foot work!

ohiobecky

There was a character on Rescue Me that was diagnosed with BC and then declared NED. And she goes on a wonderful rant about societal pressures expecting her to become some amazing different person because she beat it. And all she wants is to be her old self. Huh. ;-)

KellieDenise66

Momluke, what a beautiful love story, and 5 kids together that is really something special. Thats a good size group to pitch in and help out too. : ) I can imagine your DH's frustration with limitations, but you're absolutely right, his presence and love are what means the very most without a doubt!!



I've been caring for my mom since May from a bad fall. We have her hospital bed in our livingroom. (I've been eye balling it too!) 2 days ago she slipped and fell AGAIN, this time in the actual doctors office, slipped on mud left behind from construction. Smacked her head on the exam table, and sustained a whole new set of serious injuries. The scene in our house right now is almost comical, she's hooking my bra, I'm hooking hers, we're sharing pain meds, and stool softeners, and the kids are helping each of us tie our shoe laces. Having more siblings would really come in handy about now.



Rozem- thinking about you, and hoping everything goes well with your surgery Monday. Big quick, healing thoughts.



Wishing all you ladies, a pain, and worry free weekend with your loved ones.

Sneakychiquita

KellieDenise - That is a perfectly awesome description of your living situation right now.  I can totally picture it.  But, of course, sorry to hear of your mom's new fall.  

Momluke - You and your DH sound wonderful.  Gotta admit that I shed a small tear thinking of the love between you all. 

I'm so tired.  Don't understand why, but it's time for a nap.  Ciao for now. 

Momluke

Thank you so much!