January 2015 Surgery Sisters

Mary59G

revup-65, wow I am so sorry you have to go thru all this again.........makes me mad as if once is not enough. Best of luck on your surgery you are 9 days ahead of me. I opted out of the reconstruction also.......no need enough is enough for now and maybe forever. Thanks so much for your words of advice and I will have a scream for you too!!!

Hugs to all the sisters here, the advice has been incredible!

Mary59G

revup-65, wow I am so sorry you have to go thru all this again.........makes me mad as if once is not enough. Best of luck on your surgery you are 9 days ahead of me. I opted out of the reconstruction also.......no need enough is enough for now and maybe forever. Thanks so much for your words of advice and I will have a scream for you too!!!

Hugs to all the sisters here, the advice has been incredible!

Mary59G

Jmo06, thanks for allowing me to vent. Thanks to the sisterhood I find here it has been an awesome help.

shelleym1

I have to go to the nuclear medicine department the morning of surgery to get the dye injected for the SLNB. I have no idea what time my surgery is. They said they will call me the Friday before. How does the surgeon know which node is the sentinel node if the dye is injected hours earlier? Wouldn't the dye wear off?

revup-65

shelleym1 I had the same thoughts, this is what the surgen told me when I questioned her about the time frame. She said that after the injection they will get me in for surgery within 2 hours, the dye they inject during surgery will track the injection done prior so they can find the  SLNB, they will have it evaluated during surgery and if it comes back positive with more than 20 cells they will remove more limp nodes. She did give me cream to apply to my nipple before the injections so it would deadened the area they will inject. Just another adventure.

revup-65

Mary59G I maybe ahead of you but you can count on me to help you along the way as much as I can. A little shakey now but I can't wait to get this cancer removed and go on to the next step.

shelleym1

rev up thanks for the explanation

Dancermom1999

Wishing all of you ladies in the January 2015 surgery forum successful surgeries. I was in your very shoes last year at this time. I had my bmx on January 3, 2014 and went thru the reconstruction process - implant exchange in March, nipple reconstruction in May and then the nipple tattoo in July. I developed issues from Tamoxifen and had a full hysterectomy in October. It was a very good decision for me. I have healed well and am so very blessed to be on the other side now. As I look back a year seems so long ago yet at times the diagnosis and subsequent surgeries seem like yesterday. Ladies, I wish you all the best - I have come out of this a much stronger person, a kinder and more patient person and realize that each day is a gift and I realize how blessed I have been and I enjoy each day that God has given me. Hugs and love to you all! Kathy

CassieCat

Thank you Kathy. It's always good to hear from those on the other side who got through it and are doing well.

mathteachfts

Hi ladies - unfortunately joining the group - January 14 BMX, w/ reconstruction.

Been to the doctor more in the past month than I have been in my whole life! Never had surgery or any major illness even, so needless to say, a bit scared about this whole situation. I am 48, no family history, and an avid runner, so cancer was about the last thing that I expected for Christmas!

Mary, so sorry for your loss.

Prayers to all of you.

JeniferE

Kathy,

Thank you for sharing! So good to hear your positive perspective.

Mathteach,

Sorry you have to join us, but you will find these boards and the entire site incredibly helpful.

I have my pre-op tomorrow. Glad to hear what you all went through. I like to compare notes. I have the Emlacream prescription ready to pick up. May have questions about use since my surgeon's instructions are not clear. Instructions say to use the cream, but also say cream will be applied at my first step of the surgery day, the "localization." I want to make sure I am numbed as much as possible!

MorningGlory27

Hi All, My surgery will be on January 6th, 5 more days ugh. I'm having bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. Strange, but I can't wait to have the surgery so I could focus on getting better and knowing what the next step is (chemo/no chemo) Having more idea about when can I go back to work etc...

Miyshell

Oh my gosh! I don't even know where to start, I'm 48.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in Aug 2014, 2 weeks after that "oops" ... Doctor jumped the gun, REALLY?!?!  After tests, biopsy's and additional scans, turns out it was DCIS not stage 4.  I did lose my mom to breast cancer 2 1/2 years ago and her sister had breast cancer along with a great aunt.  So, I did do the BRACA1 and it came back Neg.  I did this test for my children and additional family so they would at least know I wasn't carrying the gene.  My dad passed away 3 weeks prior to all of this so emotions were absolutely CRAZY!  My husband was my rock.. It seemed most of the time I just listened and try to absorb the information but a lot of it just ran into each other. My Mom and Dad lived in an in-laws quarters that I have here on our property so they were very close to me and when I found out I had stage 4 breast cancer my daughter that was just married in March 2014 said, she is moving in the in-laws quarters to take care of me.  Lots to do in so little time...back to the crazy emotions!!  My daughter & her husband moved in over a weekend and on Monday with much thought and discussions with the doctors I had a double mastectomy.  Turns out that was the best since once they started surgery they noticed I had invasive DCIS in my left breast, Stage 1. I have been dealing with mammograms since the age of 28 and have had one lumpectomy and many biopsy's.  I have always wondered when the real wolf would show up!  When I decided to do the double mastectomy and I was a good candidate for skin and nipple sparring with reconstruction.  I thought that was great and I would get it all done at once and then I can pray and heal and be on my way to recovery, NOT!  About 2 weeks after, my left nipple didn't make it and needed to be removed... so implants came out because I had less skin and they put in a smaller implants.. btw.. I am a small c to begin with.  2 1/2 weeks later I had a very large infection that the antibiotics were not touching so my 3rd surgery in 5 weeks consisted of removing the implants cleaning out the infection and sending me home without the reconstruction! Yes I wasn't a happy camper. Not to mention those stupid tubes on each side.  Really, in this day of age cant they come up with something a little more comfortable?  I'm sure a lot of you will agree that they are horrible!! I went to physical therapy because I really didn't have much movement in my right arm and they were helping me with the scar tissue, which you all will also agree, is very painful and stretching because of the tightness in my chest.  About 1 month into PT, I came out of the shower one evening yelling for my husband because I had a hole in my right breast under my spared nipple. Yes, another infection! You gotta be kidden me?  I get put on another antibiotic, yep the wrong one again. After the culture came back they realized it was the same infection again that probably capsulized and came out through a weaker part of my skin actually where the incision was.  Its just about closed now and I am just about finished with my 2nd antibiotic.  So now, I am contemplating my next step, after I am through healing and I am in no rush but at the same time I want to be finished with all of this.  I absolutely hate thinking about the what's, whys, how's and where's....drives me nuts! LOL!  I asked If I could have skin expanders to try to avoid additional invasive surgery. example: back flap- latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.   The Doctor said my skin is too thin for expanders and I have a very good chance that it would fail.  I really am nervous about additional infections, additional pain now not only in my breast but my back too!  Have any of you had this surgery? I really could use some advice with this.  I read and read and read and I know I want to do something because I want to feel like myself again OR at least closer then how I feel now.  I am extremely numb and I know I won't have the feelings back but I just want to look like myself again... not to mention my clothes don't fit, they make our clothes for boobs! LOL!  I also wanted to ask you all if anyone experiences the burning sensation that runs through your breast or down your arm from your breast? 

Thank you all for taking your time and reading my crazy story and thank you all for any advice you have for me! 

Miyshell

Good Luck to you MorningGlory27!

justamy

Mishell, wow what a rough road you've had so far! I'm sorry it has been so crazy and that you have to be here. I am a bit confused because you said your BC was stage 4 then that it was stage 1. Maybe I'm just reading wrong, but I was wondering which one it was. I hope your next step becomes clear to you and the rest of your surgeries are a breeze. Hugs Amy

Miyshell

Justamy, I was originally told stage 4 but that was the doctor jumping the gun and not really knowing. Put all of us through the ringer of emotions. Tuned out once I was in surgery it was DCIS invasive.

DaisyQ

Hi All,

I finished 4 months of chemo on December 23. BMX surgery is scheduled for January 21. I am relieved to have chemo behind me, but starting to get nervous about surgery and the first few weeks of recovery. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time.. My sister-in-law sent me a link to a blog post a woman wrote to her body as she prepared for her mastectomy. It's quite beautiful.

http://wdonner.tumblr.com/post/105049323614/dear-body-love-mind

justamy

Miyshell, that's how I read it at first and thought I had to be wrong. What a terrible thing to do to someone. I can only imagine the unneeded worry he put you through!

Miyshell

Justamy, You are right! we were so upset for those 2 weeks thinking of everything we were going to do and that I wasn't ready to leave this earth yet... omg the emotions were crazy! thank god that is past.. just the future has me a bit worried... I am not ready for it but want to be done and move on.  I noticed you had chemo... I say it all the time how my road has been ruff and I am blessed with no radiation or chemo and I cant imagine the strength women have that go through so much more.  My emotions are just crazy and all over the place.. so it feels like sometimes.  My husband tries to understand and he does one hell of a job.. I actually wish I could leave me to get a break, he has to feel that way! LOL!  Bless you for all you have gone through yourself 

CassieCat

Daisy Q, thank you for sharing that link - it was great!

Gatomal

Hello all,

I have tentative surgery (lump, SNB, ALND) scheduled for Jan 13, eight days after my c section is scheduled to deliver my chemo twins. It's tentative due to stopping chemo on Dec 10 in preparation for my c section. If the tumor has grown, we'll do it, but if it's stable or smaller, we won't. Unfortunately, with the late pregnancy breast changes, it feels bigger and /or harder. It would be great if it's just scar tissue, but I'm feeling like we will be operating on the 13th. Trying to get extra help with the newborns in case I do have surgery, since I'll only be at home a few days before going into the hospital again. I also have 2.5 y.o. Toddler twins at home too. The next two weeks are going to be tough ones. Good luck everybody

Lucy55

Gatomal..oh my..So much on your plate at the moment.. What mixed feelings you must have ., going through treatment.... but also the excitement of the arrival of another set of beautiful.twins.. I wish I lived near you to come and help.after the birth.. My son has twin girls 2 years old, and another baby girl 6 months.. So they are busy too.... ((Hugs)) to you xx

AnotherLifeExperience

Mary I am so sorry for your loss.

I am ready for this to be over with.  I hate the unknown waiting for the sentinel node biopsy.  My surgeon says I will have 3 drains when I come home and that I can shower 24 hours afterwards (I am not having any recon).  Yay.  Probably won't feel like it, but at least the option is there.  My husband is upset that I will be an outpatient,  whereas I am very happy about it.  Thoughts and prayers are with everyone here. 

Loveroflife

Hi Surgery Sisters,

I'm having TE placement on January 12th. I had left MX back in September, but didn't have immediate reconstruction because at the time my surgeon did not want to waste time and wait to coordinate schedule with PS and delay surgery to remove the tumor. Thank God the tumor was DCIS with only microinvasion so no chemo. I can't take hormone blockers as I am ER/PR- . I'm praying that MX took care of all the cancer cells.

Gatomal, wishing we were more close by so I could lend a hand. You have more on your plate than your fair share.

DaisyQ, thank you for sharing the article...what a great perspective!

May God grant us peace and remove all anxieties as our surgery days approach. Best wishes everyone.

Homer14

Hello all,

First post, first time ever joining an online community! Was diagnosed on 12/17/14 after an abnormal MRI. DCIS grade 2, ADH & ALH on right. I had a normal mammogram in early November but was strongly encouraged to get an MRI due to very dense breast tissue and bad family history. Just finished two weeks of appointments, discussions and almost obsessive reading. I am in the medical profession, but this is SO out of my area that it is very foreign. Also, when personal, it is impossible to be objective.

After much soul-searching and weighing every option, I will be having a BMX with right SNB on 1/16/15. I have been reading the discussion boards about surgery and am trying to get prepared. The anxiety is worst at night. During the day I try and stay busy but when the house gets quiet, my mind starts to race. I have really enjoyed having my two college-age kids home for the holidays. They go back on Monday. My DH has been amazing so far and is my rock.

I am thinking of everyone as they move through their journeys.

revup-65

MorningGlor… we have the same surgery date. What can you say, you want it over but your stressed because you have to do it. this is just the start of the adventure, it still is unknown what is up ahead. When I had DCIS 20 yrs ago I was through with 2 surgery's and had a plan in place within 2 weeks, this time it has been 2 months, lots of tests and waiting for an opening to schedule surgery with all the holidays and still don't have a solid plan. Not a great time of year to get BC as if anytime would be good. I will know when I go in that I won't be alone, I absolutely wish you the best. I would agree its in the night that brings the challenges.

shaz101

My heart is heavy too you Gatomal and I'm sending some virtual cuddles to your new babes. I'm sure the joy of their arrival will help you get through the challenges that lay ahead xxx

shaz101

I'm so sorry to hear of your news Homer14. I was diagnosed on the 13th of December so I can't offer anything but my caring and healing thoughts to you and the hope that you have a great outcome. Xxx it amazes me how many women on this site that keep joining the club. Omg and I'm sure its only a very small percent of the number diagnosed. So scary - what's going on? Why so many?

Loveroflife

Shaz101, I have asked the same question. My sister-in-law, who works in the surgery department, said that she sees more and more coming in for breast and prostate sx.

CassieCat

Hello to everyone who's joined our group here. I know how helpful my chemo group has been, and I think this will be too. I'll be asking my surgeon on Tuesday to again remind me why a mastectomy and not lumpectomy makes sense for me. He's laid it out for me before, but I seem to have forgotten. Or I'm in denial and somehow want to think that I don't need the full MX. Sigh. I will do what I can to prevent recurrence as best I can. I don't have any camisoles or anything yet. Has anyone done any of that kind of shopping? I will have one drain to deal with. I also don't have a recliner to sleep in and am wondering how to best be comfortable.