January 2013 surgery

Scatsm

Hi All,

Heard today that my nodes are clear!

So grateful to all of you whose posts and words of encouragement helped me through the past few weeks.

Wishing good news for you all, and strength for those who still have treatment ahead.....

Susan

Amy4978

Scatsm.... Awesome news!

marianelizabeth

Mirmipanda, if you originally went throught the rapid access clinic at MSJH, it is possible that you will get the report from our BS. Path results were one of my hard waiting games. Core biospy results were rushed for me as I was going away but the surgery one is different. We are assigned  a pathologist and regardless of that person being away or sick etc. does not matter. Mine took 17 days but another woman I know waited longer. On the other hand if your pathologist picks it right up it could be faster, Our BS told me that in the US it would be within days but not so here. I wish for the speedy one for you! 

#4 Taxol today and feeling good so far and only one more to go. Then getting fit and healthy for my March surgery!

jebdra

Mary - that is such good advice.  "if you've had ANY nodes removed, there is evidence that it's best to wait a week or 10 days before raising that arm over your head to allow the lymphatics a chance to heal"

My physio and breast care nurse both poo-pooed the idea of lymphedema - said less than 2% chance after SND.  I was very worried about it, enough to chase up the Z0011 study and raise it with my surgeon.  He (apparently along with all the breast cancer people in Perth) did not think the Z0011 study was high calibre enough to change their procedures.  To his credit he did explain WHY they all felt it was not good enough, and his reasons seemed quite valid.  He didn't patronise me by saying "Don't worry about it, I know best", which I appreciated.  He personally felt the study was good, and that larger and better designed studies would probably validate it, but he wasn't willing to change his "gold standard" until the larger studies were in.  All very well, but they're MY nodes and I didn't want them removed if they didn't need to be.  Very very luckily, my sentinel nodes were clear so it didn't arise.

I've just had my last drain removed (ouch), and am going home (yippee) - so I'll scan the exercise sheet and post it later today.  That will be AFTER I've had my first proper shower (bliss) and got reacquainted with my juicer.  I've really missed my daily green juice.

{{hugs}} and healing thoughts to all the warrior princesses who have been under the scalpel and are recovering.

Best wishes and reassuring thoughts to those who are still waiting.  It really is the worst part of it - you will soon be through and out the other side and complaining about the prune juice like the rest of us!

adagio

marian - so happy that you have made it past taxol #3 - you are most definitely on the countdown now!!  Yeah! Did you experience any of the bone or joint pain that so many women experience? 

I am having taxol #1 on Friday morning - hoping it goes OK - I always have the initial apprehension of a new drug and different side effects.  Also, I am freaked by the possible neuropathy - but I guess I will wait and see how my body reacts to it.

runner1987

MMSS, I am in graduate school for writing! So you can imagine that it certainly is nice to hear how much everyone likes my blog.

I continue to recover nicely but I am really nervous about my drain removal! "Milking" the drains is a bit painful so I think that taking them out might be excruicating. But I just keep reminding myself that the pain of getting them out will be temporary but the relief of having them gone will be permanent.

Thinking of all of you who are having surgery this week. Good luck! Soon, it'll all be in the past and you'll be so glad that you can begin moving on with your life!

Ariom

Hi Runner, just had to tell you that I read your Blog last night. It was a sensational read.

You are such an inspiration, absolutely gorgeous, and a bloody good writer!

Reading about your journey, at your age, made me think how I may have coped with all you have had to endure. I am almost 60 and haven't had the struggle you have had. The way you write paints a very personal picture that the reader can't help but enter with you. I could feel the emotions with you.

You're amazing in lots of ways, and I think your family should be congratulated for raising such a well adjusted, brave young woman with so much spunk!

I wish you a wonderful exciting, fulfilling life! 

abitmuch

hi everyone



I just found this thread so I thought I would share. I was diagnosed with DCIS in November. I am small breasted and the lump was rather large (10+ CM) so a mastectomy of the entire right breast was necessary. I am 34yo.



I went in for my MX on Jan 10th. the actual procedure was less than 2 hours. I stayed in the hospital overnight and was sent home the next day. a homecare nurse was assigned to me and she's been checking my drain and bandage.



At the time of the surgery, I was also 12 weeks pregnant. An OB was called to do an ultrasound for me in the recovery room and the baby still had a heartbeat. I was told that everything looked great.



I was only given Tylenol 3 to control my pain, due to the pregnancy everything else was not recommended. I find that it only made me drowsy while the pain was still there. the most pain I feel is at the incision where the drain enters my side body. every once in a while I would feel my skin tucking at the staples too, which is very unsettling. the codeine makes me very constipated, and I'm worried about taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) so I've been trying to bare the pain, but it's very miserable.



the drain may come off tomorrow and the staples will be out next Monday. my follow up for pathology report is next Tuesday, which will determine if I'll need to go back for node removals. at this point I can't bare the thought of one more surgery, but I guess we'll see.



I send positive vibes for those who are going to the OR and wish everyone a good recovery process.

Adavisart

Hello, I just joined the board. Had Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in Friday Jan. 11, 2013. I am at home recovering and just woke up with a big wet spot on my back where one of the drains is leaking. I am waiting for the doctors office to open to call and find out what to do. What a pain!!

JRMH

abitmuch- I can't imagine going through this while pregnant. My prayers are definately with you.

Adavisart- Saying a prayer for you as well. I hope that you find out quickly what to do!

Amy4978

Abitmuch... So sorry you have to be on this thread but glad you found it for its an amazing support system. I am very happy you and baby made it thru surgery big ((((hugs)))) for you. What is the plan now will they make you wait to do chemo? If you need anything we are here for you!

MMSS

Runner, I am not at all surprised to hear that writing is your major. A clear case of someone finding what they are incredible gifted at and following their passion. I hope you will give serious consideration to turning your blog in to a book. Since I was diagnosed last summer I have been through a ton of breast cancer writing and for some reason most of the women who write about their experiences tend to be New Yorkers. It is past time for the West Coast to be better represented.

I had implants for many years and had them removed about 5 years ago. It did hurt when they took the drains out but I learned from the experience. This time I will take a generous dose of pain medication and have someone else drive me to the appointment. In your case I would recommend a pain med that does NOT upset your stomach.lol

BrandieMcAdams

Abitmuch: Congrats on your sweet baby! I'm praying for you both during this time, especially for your pain management



Runner:I read every single blog post yesterday...my to do list set untouched while I was absorbed in your story. Like others, I think you have a wonderful talent for writing

dbm75

Thanks, Natsfan, for the good advice about guarding against LE. Because I had just one node removed in my lumpectomy and SNB yesterday, and I'm feeling better today, I realized after reading your post that I'm not being a good patient....I'm probably moving around and doing way more than I should. I was thinking that because it was just one little node, I don't have to worry. I'm glad I came across your advice. And I don't know my path results yet, either (that won't be back till next week) so I'm not even sure what's in store for me treatment-wise yet, or if I'll even need more surgery. Hopefully not, but the way I'm going, I don't want to add LE to the platter unnecessarily! So thank you for the heads up.

wirdgirl118

Hi there, I am home.from the hospital and just posted my experience in the wrong message area, its in the unusual rare cancers, Pagets disease message area. To recap, the nodes on both sides are negative for cancer, I am taking percoset for the minimal pain. I am so glad I chose a double mastectomy. It is great to behome!

Hopex3

Wirdgrl..Good to hear from you. Glad everything went well!

Ariom

Hi Abitmuch, glad to hear you are recovering with not too much pain. I understand the discomfort you are feeling. I can't imagine doing this while pregnant. I had my Mx surgery on the 19th for DCIS too.

Just try to take it easy, one step at a time. It is much better when the drains are gone, they are so irritating,  and the incision is healed. I know it is hard to stay focused and not let your fear take over, but you will know what is going on soon.

My very best wishes and positive thoughts are with you. I am assuming they are expecting this to be pure DCIS so no further treatment required. That's what I'll be hoping for too!

Take care of you, and that sweet baby.... There will be many of us thinking of you!

Wirdgirl, so glad to hear you are home, doing well and have negative nodes! Sesational news, and glad you are happy with your decision to have the Double Mastectomy. Speedy recovery to you now!

Adavisart, so sorry to hear about your leaky drain, they are such a nuisance, but I am sure it is just a small hiccup in your recovery. Wishing you all the best for a quick recovery.

Amy4978

Soooo glad to be done with chemo I am officially PFC baby! Today has been rather eventfull.... Once I got home a date was set for surgery February 13 it is with a 7:15 arrival time. I will be nesting for the next 27 days The hospital is making arrangements for my family to stay across the street in housing so they can be by my side as much as possible. I am loving this...making progress and moving forward!



Wordgirl.... So happy you are home get some rest and catch up with us when you are on the mend ((((hug))))



MMSS....great advice about taking a few pain meds b4 drain removal. Better safe than sorry....

marianelizabeth

Adagio, blood counts good, Taxol #3 done and all good so far. No neuropathy and no joint or bone or muscle pain. Just got home from physio, counselling appt. at BCCA and yoga. Great morning!

My physio has me booked weekly pretty much continously after my March surgery and is also referring me to a massage therapist who specializes in L/E and lympahtic drainage and of course massage for after surgery also so I think I am going to be in good hands. It is good to have a plan. My first counselling hour long session which I asked for only on Monday when at the cancer agency for bllod work etc. was excellent. I noted that others on the threads have chosen counselling and for me it was good just to have the chance to speak to a professional. I will see her monthly.

So now off for a walk with my neighbour. Steroids are good for something!

liffeybloomer

Runnergirl: Let me add my kudos to you for your blog. I teach writing and my daughter (also 25, but mercifully without killer boobs)writes too and I can say without reservation that your blog is one of the best I've read. Your sense of humor adds a great perspective, and oddly enough reading your blog brightened my whole day.

Abitmuch: Let me add my thoughts for you. I can't imagine going through this while being pregnant, too.

To everyone else, thank you again for sharing your stories and support. My surgery is next week, so it has been very helpful to read these reports.

JRMH

Tomorrow morning is my surgery.

Sending out prayers and healing thoughts to my surgery date sister suzilla.

Lmimp64

Hi.

Wirdgirl - congrats. Great news!

abitmuch- I'm glad you and baby are doing well.

Adavisart- I'm thinking of you.

Amy- congrats on finishing.



I was dismissed from hospital today. Air blockages in intestines gone. Yea.



Is anyone else amazingly bloated with fluid? My bruises around my waist are each about 8in by 4in and black. My waistline is nonexistent. I had no idea this would happen too. Anesthetic is not my body's friend. I see the surgeon tomorrow. I was hoping for path report as she had inferred it would be in, but now I don't think so. It wasn't in today. The waiting game continues. For someone who normally has the entire year's vacations booked by now and is often planning next Christmas, I have a tough time giving up all this control. Talk about a life lesson.



Best to all.

Lmimp64

Jennifer and suzilla - I am thinking of you. Y'all are going to do great! Take it slowly and see you back here soon.

Nancy681

Hello,

I am 68, had lumpectomy, jan2nd. Right now there were no lymph nodes affected, but am waiting for the second biopsy. I have been doing very well. Waiting for surgery to heal and will start radiation later. Just started to take Arimidex

My questions are about the side effects of Arimidex and effects from radiation.

My prayers and good wishes go out to all of you. We all will survive and have happy lives.

God bless

adagio

marian - who did you ask about the counselling session? Is there a charge for that or is it all part of the service. I'd like to do that. Also, did you take Emend after your taxol or any anti-nausea meds? My MO didn't seem to think I would need them. 

marianelizabeth

JRMH, thanks for adding me!

Nancy I will be on Armidex too. I am 63. I asked my MO this week about S/E even though I knew some of them. Osteoporosis and fractures are a couple. I am having a bone density test next week for a baseline so you might want to ask about that. Hot flashes too for some. Yay, more of them. Taxol has been giving me night sweats so I am already getting used to that. Radiation after surgery for me but I think it is totally individual. 

Scatsm

good luck JMRH - I hope your recovery is speedy and that you have good news!

jebdra

Abitmuch - I can't image what it would be like to face this at your age and pregnant.  It'a bad enough being an old biddy with no responsibilities.  {{hugs}} and healing thoughts for your recovery and your baby's health. 

Adavisart - It is a pain, but I don't think it will be a major issue.  I had a similar experience during my bone scan.  I'd had a CAT scan the day before and the nurse said before she injected the contrast solution "you will feel as if you have wet yourself - don't worry, you won't, it's just a feeling" and she was quite right.  Then I had the bone scan the next day, and towards the end I felt as if I was lying in a puddle.  I just dismissed it as a "feeling", but when I got up the table was all wet!  Talk about embarrassed - then we realised that it was my drain (it had been removed about 4 hours before, but the bandage let go and it just flooded out.  It really wasn't a problem (except for the poor scan tech who had to clean her table!)  They just cleaned the incision and redressed it. 

wirdgirl - so glad to hear from you and that it all went well.  Clear nodes are the best excuse for a happy dance.

Amy - congratulations on finishing the chemo.  That's one step behind you now.  Best wishes for surgery.

Jennifer and Suzilla - We're all thinking of you.  {{hugs}} and best wishes to you both.  I'm sure it will all go well.

AuntieEm

It's been a number of days since I checked in. My pathology came back with 3 positive lymph nodes. It sounds like my game plan will remain the same with chemo, rad therapy, and tamoxifen. I will be going to see my BS and PS on Friday. They will decide on whether the last two drains can come out and add a few cc's to my expanders. I'm scheduled to meet with my MO to decide when o place the port and begin chemo. I'd love to have the port and permanent implants done at once. The thought of going under twice more is not appealing to me at all. I'm actually a bit nervous about it. Can anyone tell me how long it will take to get my full range of motion on my node dissection side? I feel like I was doing well but my nerve ending are waking up and it's like I've taken a step back. Will it be better once the last two drains are out? I was so active and flexible before surgery and now I feel so stiff. I find it hard to believe it will come back. So frustrating...



As always my prayer are with you all! Xoxoxo

AuntieEm

Hi guys! It's been a number of days since I checked in. My pathology came back with 3 positive lymph nodes. It sounds like my game plan will remain the same with chemo, rad therapy, and tamoxifen. I will be going to see my BS and PS on Friday. They will decide on whether the last two drains can come out and add a few cc's to my expanders. I'm scheduled to meet with my MO to decide when to place the port and begin chemo. I'd love to have the port and permanent implants done at once. The thought of going under twice more is not appealing to me at all. I'm actually a bit nervous about it. Can anyone tell me how long it will take to get my full range of motion on my node dissection side? I feel like I was doing well but my nerve ending are waking up and it's like I've taken a step back. Will it be better once the last two drains are out? I was so active and flexible before surgery and now I feel so stiff. I find it hard to believe it will come back. So frustrating...



As always my prayer are with you all! Xoxoxo