August 2014 Surgery

aviva5675

Jumping in to say hello to the Aug ladies-- from an August 2013 person...you can see from my stats whats happened. I got lucky tho with an oncotype score of 2, so no chemo or rads...am pretty happy with my last exchange and see my ps again in 2 weeks.  If any other surgery done itll have to be in the winter after I save up more sick time at work.

Meremeres list i the beginning of this thread is excellent. Any questions - ask!!

Seashore

Hi ladies, my first post but I have been lurking and learning since dx in Feb.  Thank God for BCO and all these discussion boards!  Please add me to your group, I am scheduled for BMX surgery with TE on Aug 14th.    

As with so many of you on this journey, news came in one wave after another.  5 month story short - I found the lump in Feb and thankfully called my dr that day.  This "new" journey started routinely enough:  another mammogram (my annual one just 3 months earlier in Nov and spot didn't show) and biopsy.  I had never heard of triple negative, had so much to learn and BCO was so helpful!  MO recommended neoadjuvant chemo (12 rounds weekly taxol/carboplatimum followed by 4 rounds dose dense AC).  MO also ordered a breast MRI which found some other areas, and dx of DCIS in a different quadrant.  At that time, sat me down for discussion that lumpectomy not an option since cancer in 2 quadrants.  Then came genetic testing - found out BRCA2+.  So I've finished last of chemo.  Some of my counts dropped really low these past 3 treatments and I was in yesterday for blood work.  Thankfully WBC is back up but still have a ways to go for some counts to get higher before surgery.    

S 

Ally2345

seashore- Wow, you have been on quite the journey these last 5 months.  Glad you found us.  It is a great group that you can laugh with, cry with, vent to and just get help figuring all this stuff out.  Glad your WBC count is up. Keep taking care of yourself.   Also, always remember you are not alone!!

Ally

iwannaseeyoubebrave

Hey Seashore!  Welcome to the group. You have been through quite a lot!  I'm glad you found us for your August surgery.  Sending you some positive vibes to keep those WBC going up in the right direction.  It looks like we are neighbors.  I'm also from the KC area.

Allydp

Ganzagirl - welcome! I'm pretty scared too. I told my husband he might have to drug me to get me to the hospital the morning of surgery. But at the same time, I can't wait to get this over with. 

Aviva - thanks so much for popping in!

Seashore - welcome! We have almost the exact same stats! I was dx Jan 30th, Triple Negative, did ACT + dose dense Carbo (had a horrible time with counts), will do rads, and also BRCA2+. It's a lot to process with carrying the gene as well. We had been trying to conceive for years before the dx and now with needing a hysterectomy, we're hoping to find a surrogate. I'm glad you found our group here! We have a really great group of women over on the TNBC board too - the thread is called Calling All TNS - you should come join us! 

maryland

Hello ladies, I was dx with ILC on Feb 14 (happy valentine's day to me!) and started neoadjuvant therapy on March 14, last tx on June 27. My BMX, TE'S and axillary dissection is scheduled for August 7... 6 more days. I'm sensing more dread than fear since I'm just now feeling like my old self I wish I didn't have to do the surgery. Then I'll have 35 rounds of rads. Anyway, I'm working on getting everything ready, I just wanted to pop in and introduce myself, I'm still reading the posts and catching up on who's who but I want to wish you all the best.

diva77

Welcome to the group genny.  I am scheduled for surgery on the 7th, too. I don't have any words of wisdom as this is still so new to me. but I have found a wonderful group of supportive women here and so have you. As they will all tell you ask any questions we are all here to support each other.  

Ally2345

Genny-  sorry for your dx but welcome!!  So glad you found this community.  You have already been through a lot. For me, the thoughts of the bmx were worse than the actual surgery. The drains were a hassle but did not hurt.  Just take it slow and let yourself heal on the inside as well as the outside. You can do this!!!  

Ally

iwannaseeyoubebrave

Welcome to the group genny. I'm sorry you are going through this but happy that you found us. Without a doubt,  this is a difficult journey that is unique to each of us. Our common thread is that we are fighters and survivors that are here for each other.  All the unknown is scary to think about before surgery.  That's what we are all here for...to help ease your mind...to ask questions and to lean on. You've got this! 

Susan

Seashore

Everyone thanks for the welcome!  I have been reading quite some time but had no idea how much support I would feel from the interaction.  

Iwannaseeyoubebrave - Not only are we neighbors but I see your implant surgery is the day before my BMX!  Right now I'm more worried about the TEs than the BMX, but I suspect emotions with be gearing up as the date gets closer.

Allydp - Unfortunately there is so much to process in this journey.  So sorry you are also facing a hysterectomy.  I already had one a few years ago.  The genetic counselor also recommended that I see a dermatologist for skin checks regularly.  Well after my hair fell out there was a big black mole on my head - who knew!  It was removed and was nothing, but I already have my appt with her for next year.  I've been reading several threads including the Calling All TNs for a while.  Yesterday when I finally decided to start posting, I joined you guys there too!  

I'm still trying to figure out the boards/threads system - any tips on how to manage things and or figure out where I left off in reading the posts?    

S

Ineke254

Lori1967..I am scheduled in August for a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node...possibly if margins are not clear will have to get more surgery and I am opting for mastectomy in that case...you are not alone on this road

Juliecc

Seashore, welome!  To manage the threads you read regularly, click on "add to my favorite topics".  Then when anyone adds to the thread it will show a red number under the menu under "My favorite topics".

Welcome to all the newcomers.  There are so many of us August surgery sisters.  Best wishes to everyone.  You will be on the road to recovery in no time.

Seashore

Juliecc - thanks so much for that tip, will do!  With chemo brain, I think I was rereading alot of posts just to remember where I had been! 

1_more_Y_me

Hi All,

My surgery is scheduled for Monday, August 4. Stats: Diagnosed July 9, 2014  ILC LCIS ER+ Pr+ HER2 neu., given the option for either lumpectomy or mastectomy in addition to node removal with either surgery. After serious consideration, I chose mastectomy with reconstruction. I am very concerned with the after-effects of node removal and TE, but I promised myself and my husband that I would follow all directions to decrease the chance of complications.

Juliecc

Welcome, 1more.  Most of us go through your surgery with no complications so try not to worry.  Is the surgeon just removing your sentinel nodes or all of your nodes?  I wish you the best tomorrow.  It will be over before you know it and you'll do great!

Ally2345

1more-  sorry for you dx but glad you found this site. There is a lot of helpful information on this site and if you have questions, please ask.  No question is stupid.  Wishing you a restful night today and a successful procedure tomorrow!!  

Ally

aviva5675

yes the sentinal node biopsy, snb, removes only a few nodes during the surgery.  I think it is usual to have a pathologist in there to check them initially - mine were clear so didnt have to have more removed.  I did get phys therapy after with a specialist in lymphedema, so that helped me get thru my fears.  I know it can come anytime, but I am choosing to feel it will not happen. I get needle sticks and blood pressure on arm where fewer were removed. She did recommend a le sleeve for flying.

diva77

1more...sending positive thoughts and lots of positive energy to you. 

shewolfpg

I have mine this Tuesday the 5th. Bilateral Masectomy. 

Ally2345

shewolf-  best wishes on your surgery...you will do great!  In May I had a bmx with TEs put in.  My exchange is on the 11th.  I don't know if you are new to the site but there is lots of helpful info and if you have questions, please ask.  

Ally

iwannaseeyoubebrave

1moreyme, Welcome to the group.  I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. I initially chose a lumpectomy back in January only to find out I also had some hidden ILC and not enough clear margins so ultimately ended up with the dmx.  You are going to do great tomorrow.  Deep breaths.  You've got this!  We will be with you. 

{{{HUGS}}}

Susan

Ally2345

1more- You have got this!!  Know we are with you!!

Ally

iwannaseeyoubebrave

Shewolf, Welcome to the group. The ladies in this group are pretty awesome for support.  With your surgery being on Tuesday,  I'm sure you are getting things in order.  Don't forget to take some time for yourself as well!  

Susan

cateyz2

For you fellow sisters heading into bmx, just a few reccomendations:

1. Ask the anesteleologist for the patch for behind your ear in addition to something in your IV.

2. Have a pillow available for the ride home to hold up against your chest, helps comfort those bumbs in the road. Personally I always wore a seatbelt however for at least the 1st6 weeks after bmx only wore the lap belt never the shoulder as it was  very uncomfortable. If the officer was going to give me a ticket I feel I had a medical reason NOT to wear it!!

3. Stay ahead of your pain meds, and also stay on top of the softeners, laxitives or you will regret it!!

BMX 5/31/2013 Exchange 11/26/2013 and heading for my revision on Aug 26th so I am very happy to answer any questions you may have,  Pm me if needed

shewolfpg

Thanks everyone.  Not new to the board.  Just new to this discussion.  I will be going down in size but that wont be until all the treatments are over with.  The Doc said she would leave me some skin to help with that.  I am glad I wont be going bigger as DDDD are big enough.  I can't wait to go down to a C.  Sucks that I had to get Cancer to have a boob reduction but I will finally get perky Cs

 

cateyz2

Oh and one other thought, after bmx don't worry about the incision, more than likely PS will use the same one at exchange and will clean it up at that surgery, it may not look pretty but after MX main thing is to heal!

Also try to be sure to get 100 grm protein a day after surgery and even the week before, the ensure/boost protein drinks were a mainstay as I didn't have an appetite or the ability to cook and your body needs protein to heel

1_more_Y_me

Hi again. I'm not sure how many nodes will be removed. I just want to get through the surgery, recover, and back to life as it should be lived. Right now, I am focused on the fact that I'm not supposed to eat or drink after midnight (about 3 hours from now), not the surgery itself; so much for priorities... Thanks for allowing me to join the group and to all who are preparing to undergo the various procedures, I bid you God Speed! I look forward to sharing and comparing notes.

Allydp

Welcome to all the new ladies here! I'm sorry for what brought you here, but glad you found our group. 

1more - thinking of you tonight and wishing you all the best tomorrow. Check back in when you can and know that we are all here for you! 

myers421

Good Morning = )

I was looking for suggestions on protein powder for post surgery.  After my bmx I drank a lot of Ensures, however this time around I would like to be more on the "weight conscious" side of things.  1 yr since dx and 4 surgies later I have gained 20 lbs and for the past month I have switched up my diet no carbs/starches mainly chx, fruit and veges I don't want to slip up now.

THX! 

Juliecc

Amy, Shine, and Anasnana, I hope all is good and you are recovering well.

1More, I'm wishing you the best today!  Just show up and it will be over before you know it!

Myers, there are many lowcarb protein powders out there.  I'm trying to think of ways to up my protein intake because I think I did a lousy job of it after my BMX.  I was into carby comfort foods and I'm up about 10 pounds since March.   I could do protein powder shakes but someone would have to do all the blender stuff for me.   I have a ton of cans of tuna.  MaybeI'll live off of tuna and mayo :-)