June 2014 Surgery Sisters

sandra4611

sandra4611

We have so much good news today, I had to share the dancing girls above. Loved all the things you brought on the bus this morning. We arrived, dizzy and laughing from all the alcohol, with pink hair, chanting and waving pom poms, singing along with Bob Marley and throwing confetti. What a sight to see. The bus was so full of positive vibes and bags of positive thoughts, there was barely enough room for all of us who had jumped onboard. But we made it and will be doing it all over again in a couple of days.

Welcome HopeEllen. You are at the stage we all hated. Waiting is the worst. Telling the family is a task we all wished we could avoid. I think it was harder on my daughters than on me. They had to think about not only their mother, but also think about what this could mean in their own lives. And boys...well they along with our husbands just want to fix things and this time, they can't.

Trish and Gila, you got the best news! No invasive components! I heard your sighs of relief all the way here in San Antonio. So sorry Gila that you have to deal with wound packing on your abdomen. At least you are in good company since Jbdayton is having to do the same thing. I've heard of wound vacs and have a general idea of how they work. Wonderful technology. I sound like a TV preacher...heal, heal, HEAL. Time to enjoy family and as Jbokland said, exhale.

 

 

 

sweetjam

So I went and had all my pre surgical tests done on Monday.  Blood, MRI, mammogram and sonogram. We met with the surgical oncologist today.  I asked about the MRI and she kind of had a weird response.  I'm not sure if I'm remembering right but something like it wasn't great then sort of taped danced around and said the tumor shrunk but we wont know until we get in there.  I remember thinking her response was odd.  Then later she says there are 2 nodules on your lung but its no big deal and probably caused by the chemo.  They were not there in January when I had my first MRI.  She made light of it and said I would have a CT scan after surgery.  As I sat with those thoughts I started to freak out.  Has any one ever heard that chemo causes nodules?  I'm not even sure I want to do such a big surgery if this stuff has metastasized.  

I was so at piece about the surgery and so excited to be done with all this.  Now I'm a nervous wreck about this new information.   

trish01254

thanks everyone.  Gila happy for you too.  So close to having happy tears cascade down my cheeks but that will make the belly hurt.  Will have to wait for those.  sWeetjam try to keep on the optimistic side.  This is coming from world's biggest pessimist.  Can't they ct scan before surgery?

sweetjam

yes scheduled for tomorrow.  waiting for the report.  they also mentioned something in my left breast that the doc didn't mention.  UGH.

kcat2013

sweetjam, sorry about the lung nodules.  It seems like just when we are able to stop worrying about one thing something new crops up.  That's good you have a ct scan scheduled for tomorrow and don't have to wait too long.  

Kendra

linda505

Hi Sweetjam - I have read of lots of people in here that have lung nodules that are not cancer.  I don't know if they can be caused by chemo or not but I know I have read it here before so try to stay positive.  I know how hard this is as I just went through a CT scan and the waiting is horrible and the fear is devastating.  Hopefully the CT scan will show that everything is good and you can continue on your current plan - I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

thinkpink4ever

I'm lovin' all this good news from gila, trish, and jbdayton - wonderful path results, recovery updates, and a wonderful homecoming visit with family!

One love,

tp4ever

thinkpink4ever

HopeEllen, I understand how you feel.  I was 40 with an 11 year old at my first DX.  Now I'm recently diagnosed at 53, and that 11 year old is now 24.  I pray that all goes well with your surgery.

sweetjam, praying for nothing but good news from your CT scan tomorrow.

As far as all of the Bob Marley vibes we've had going on lately, it stirs up good memories of my 2007 trip to Jamaica.  About 7 months after my separation from my husband, I took a soul-searching trip to MOBAY and Ochi with 3 other ladies.  Can I tell you that it's nothing better than walking the beach in MOBAY at sunrise listening to Bob Marley on your iPod - it was amazing!  I want to go back, but to Negril this time!

One love,

tp4ever

nikeit

Hello everyone! New to being active on this site. My bilateral was 6/12 and am recovering very well. Just had my drains removed today and was rather disappointed. I have these weird lumps behind my arms that feel like fluid but the doc didnt seem too concerned. I was a large woman (40D) so perhaps he thinks its just fatty skin. Dunno. Results: Tumor was active & 2/15 lymph nodes were still active after 5 months of chemo (neoadjuvant). Bleh LOL 

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well!!! 

Frostecat

Tp4ever good story, Negril is my favorite part of Jamaica, IMHO once you go there you won't want to go anywhere else.  7 mile is the best for beach walking.  After you recover, treat yourself to a trip . . . as a matter of fact I think we all should!!!

dancingdiva

hello ladies, it's been awhile since I was here and look at all I've missed! 

I had lump + ALND on June 2. It's been about 2 weeks post. Sometimes I feel like I am moving backwards instead of forwards. arm mobility is getting better. I 've been seeing myself while taking candle lit showers!! I still haven't seen myself in the mirror. The underarm pulls. My boob though is getting full and harder everyday although it seems to be better after sleeping. I've been told that this prob a seroma? Did anyone experience this? 

I'm walking around like T-Rex because it hurts. Seeing surgeon tomorrow. And of course still waiting for path report which honestly I'm sh-t scared of so being in my little bubble right now in a little calming. I'm prob stage 3 because they took out so much. Some days I 'm really low. Some days I'm living in my bubble, the only way for me to move forward. 

sandra4611

Dancing, those who think a lumpectomy is no big deal should take notice of your experience. ANY breast surgery is invasive and they all hurt. With a mastectomy, more nerves are cut so you have some numbness. Not so much with a lumpectomy. The ALND is supposed to be tough to recover from and many complain about numbness and pain down the back of their arms. It does sound like you could have a seroma. The fluid has to go somewhere so if you don't have a drain, it can build up faster than your body can reabsorb it. Seromas can be quite painful but can be drained in the PS office. Just make sure you don't get an infection. Unfortunately it happens. You also don't want cellulitis either! Glad you are seeing your doctor tomorrow.

Nikeit, I'm sorry things aren't going your way right now. I know you hoped your nodes would be clean. I guess this means more chemo? Will you have rads too? The lumps you describe are probably what we call mud flaps or dog ears. Very common and often liposuction can help. One of mine looks fine after lipo. The other one is too big for lipo so the PS is going to use the fat for grafting to one of the divots on my chest.

Sweetjam, I would be crawling the ceiling if I were in your place. I don't like your onco not being straight with you. I had you down for surgery on the 23rd. But it's tomorrow? Make room on the Pink Bus. Sweetjam needs an escort to the hospital.

 

 

sandra4611

dancingdiva

nice graphs! So true

Talking about weird lumps.....I'm petite but I am 42 and completely out of shape...walked on a treadmill last week for the 1st time in a decade.....so last week I'm looking at myself in the mirror from behind and I notice a lump sticking out from on top of my bra of my affected arm just Nikeit, oMG wth is that!!!?? I'm thinking for about 5 sec. So naturally I turn to look at the right side and nah...I'm just fat! Relief I had it their too. Lol...gotta laugh at the stupid things.

Cellulitis?? Isn't that what we get on our bums? Oh no that' s cellulite. I' m not even gonna look up cellulitis. I need to sleep. IF he does decide to take liquid out, is there something I could do to prevent infection? And will it hurt cuz just looking at a needle I need to lie down.

Ok, sleepy time. Good luck to surgery girls. Till tomorrow.

jbokland

sweet jam. Granulomas are Benign nodes that can occur in the lungs.  I have them and what I read they are common I people who lived in mid west.  ( but I never did!) 

Hope all goes well for you!

sweetjam

No my CT scan is today.  My surgery is still Monday.  I just feel like I ran into a brick wall and wondering a couple of things.  Why didn't the onc call me on Tuesday when the MRI report came back?  Why didn't the surgical onc talk to me about it.  It wasn't until after I asked about it that she talked.  I think she was even on the phone with the onc prior to our appointment.  The one thing I really, really hate about Mayo is that you never see your onc.  You see his PA who I do not like at all.  SOOOO glad I didn't have an appointment with her to go over the MRI results.  She has almost sent me over the edge numerous times.  I need to get off the internet and go eat something so I have my 4 hours before the CT.  I just thought this was going to be over and I was going to live my life.  It appears my body has other plans.  I'm so bummed and so sick of being bummed, tired, sore ect... I just want to crawl in a hole.

sweetjam

jbokland What has me worried is that these spots did not show up on the MRI I did in January.  The radiologist report recommended a CT scan to stage them.  Doesn't sound good to me.  I did live in the Midwest for a while when I was a kid.  I really, really hope these are nothing but I have been on a journey of bad news from the start of this whole thing so I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best.

Slappy-Squirrel

nikeit, I know just how you feel. I have what I call underarm boob on both sides. If I had known this would happen I think I would have had the plastic surgeon in there at the same time. Guess that will be a future surgery for me after all the other treatment is finished. I was also very large busted.

Shirley

linda505

Sweetjam - I am pretty sure what "staging" them means in this case is to determine their size and see if they can detemine if they are cancer with the contrast dye - which they hopefully can.  MRI's can't do that - they just can see "things" and sometimes MRI's see things that aren't really there or are not really solid.  My BS told me that MRI's are notorious for false positives and so once something shows on an MRI you have to go on to the next test.   That is why they are not standard for breast cancer screening.     And chemo can cause granulomas from what I have read.  Hope you are getting good news soon!!

sandra4611

While we wait to hear how our sisters are doing, let's welcome Turtle42. She will be having a BMX with left Lat Dorsi on June 23.  Glad you found us Turtle.

 

songlady

Thanks so much for all of your prayers your hugs, and support.  Surgery went well on June 12.  Bilateral mastectomy direct to implant.  My PS says drains may come out before the weekend, but at least by Monday.  Looking forward to it.

songlady

Hi Turtle.  Welcome.  Wishing you all the best.  Sending many hugs your way.

thinkpink4ever

Well, today I finally cried.  The blue funk hit me without warning.  Glad I got it out.  I had not cried at all since receiving the dreaded DX #2.  I was able to discontinue the ab compression binder today - had to wear it for 24/7 for one week following the removal of my drains.  Next follow up with Dr. Sullivan on Tuesday morning.  Hopefully I can get Stage 2 on the schedule for September.  Ready to keep this journey going....

Keep healing, dancingdiva!  You're on the right track!

Welcome Turtle!

songlady, glad to hear that everything went well.  When the drains come out, you'll do the happy dance!

Shirley, I have side boobs too.  Hoping that will be corrected in Stage 2 surgery.

One love,

tp4ever

dancingdiva

Well, I went to surgeon and the rest of the staples came out and he took out some liquid. Feel a little better now but frankly still have the t- Rex arms and I'm basically walking around like an old man, slowly. My breast feels tight and tender.  

a lot of you have had mastectomies. How many has it taken you to walk around normally?

Think pink, hope u feel better after crying. I certainly do.

ojoyjoy

sweetjam- I had a couple of nodules on my lungs that didn't show up on a MRI but did on a CT scan. They said that most people have some nodules on there lungs and it is quite common. My doctors didn't seem concerned about them but said they will do another CT scan in 3-4 months to keep a eye on them as now we have a baseline. Sending positive thoughts out that this will be the case with you as well. 

Sending all the sisters good healing vibes. I have been so busy with work I haven't had the time to post but have you all in my thoughts and prayers. 

Today is my last day at work and I am so relieved. For those of you who don't know, I'm a hairdresser and own a small salon. I love my job and all of my clients. Many have been clients for 20 years so they are like family. It has been a mental drain having to talk, reassure and console everyone. I have had a couple of months to process this whole mess but many of my clients have not so when they hear my surgery desicion and what's the latest with my situation they get scared, worried and some have the water works. I'm grateful to have so many people in my life that love and care about me. With that being said, having to go over everything for 10 hours a day all day long takes a toll on my brain. I get home from work and I'm just fried. I didn't share with most of my clients until I had a surgery date set for just this reason. So for the last 4 weeks this is what it has been going on with me, as well has getting them booked with other stylist friends at different salons while I'm out for 2 months. It will be nice to have a few days off before surgery to recharge and get my house organized. Okay, enough of my venting.

Rose111 & kcat2013 - sending you lots of prayers for a smooth surgery today. 

Hugs to all!!

Mulligan

Checking in, sorry it's taken awhile, I've been reading all the updates and so happy for those that are doing well. 

I'm battling the lesser of two evils, pain meds help with my pain, but the side effects of getting hot, itching and rashes are driving me crazy so I'm trying to wean myself off the meds. 

I'm about to head off to the doctors to discuss my final path report and the next steps. I did read my path online and good news that my lymph nodes aren't affected, no additional IDC was found only more DCIS and my right breast (prophylactic) they found it had ADH in the upper quadrant. Which makes me even more assured that I made the right decision to get a bi-lateral mastectomy. 

Good luck to all the gals that have an upcoming procedure and hope for a speedy recovery for those that are currently healing.

HopeEllen

Went for my pre-op appointment at the hospital today.  It became sort of comical with my husband because the hospital started a new computer program today and it was over four hours for my pre-op because no one really knew what to do with the new program - at least we had something to laugh about. However, it was a big reality check when the cancer nurse navigator came to talk to us about everything that will happen on Tuesday with my surgery.  

Hope all those who had surgery this week are doing well and praying for good pathology reports for everyone. 

Mommyathome

Worryocd, 

Hi. I just read your post. I had a BMx January 29 due to Dcis dx. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy w bilateral oophorectomy on July 1. How was the recovery from the hysterectomy? What did they remove? I'm losing my uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. I'm a teacher and have been out of work since January 28. I need to be ready to go back August 25, 100%!!! Is that feasible? 

jbokland

ladies, I'm sharing an interview that I did for our local news. I addressed how I dealt  with my chemo side effects. 

URL:

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/25377911/orlando...

Dancing diva. You have to push yourself to stand up straight, drop your shoulders and walk upright and confident. It's hard a day or two but just push through it!!  You can do it!