Need some support

skv0123

I am having a double mastectomy next week. I have a ILC that is in the right breast. ultrasound showed tumor to be 1.1x1.5x1.7. MRI showed approximately same size, but about 2.2 instead. I am Grade 2, ER/PR+, HER 2 -. I freaking out while waiting for surgery thinking that I can look at my arm pits visually & tell if it has spread to my lymph nodes. I know that really only pathology can tell me about spread and some moments I think my lymph nodes are swollen, others i think they aren't. And, I know if it is in my lymph nodes...we will discuss a plan but I'm feeling really scared, nervous & overwhelmed. I just wanted to jump on & put my feelings out there. Think I'm gonna go for a walk. Thank you!!!!

Peregrinelady

Try to quit looking at your armpits! Going for a walk is a great idea. Worrying now is not going to change anything. Deep breathing helps and also binge watching Netflix. 😄

Moderators

Hi skv0123,

Thank you for coming here to share your concerns -- you know we're all here for you, and many here have been just where you are, worrying exhaustively while you wait for treatment. Just know that soon enough you'll have all the answers you need to put a treatment plan in place, and you'll start feeling better about moving forward and recovery. Good to go for a walk and clear your head! Try to keep yourself busy and your mind occupied until you know more. We're all here for you whatever happens!

--The Mods

skv0123

thank you both so much. I went for a walk & feel much better. I appreciate the support more than I can say

wallycat

I wish you a good journey on this path. I wish I could tell you not to worry but I know it is a hard sell.

Imaging, worry, even palpating the area won't give you any indication of what you are actually dealing with till the surgery. You can read our stories (I'm a good example) to know how frequently what they think should happen and what actually shows up varies a good deal.

Please post back when your surgery is over. Sending you gentle hugs and good results.

jessie123

I may be wrong -- but I think they looked at your lymph nodes during the MRI. No one told me that my nodes were clear after the MRI and I had no idea they were checked, but I think that someone told me later that the MRI was clear for the nodes. Your tumor is smaller than mine and I didn't have node involvement. My guess is that more people don't have node involvement to do. That's just my guess.

skv0123

wallycat BC does remind me that life is often a crap shoot. Thank you so much. I will post back after surgery.

jessie123 They told me mine didn’t look swollen, but my BS told me that we don’t know 100 until surgery & pathology

Thank you for all of the support

OnTarget

Just keep breathing! You'll get through this!

My MRI showed what appeared to be clear nodes, and they ended up fine after surgery. At this point, if they haven't said they see a problem, that is a good indicator!

Good luck with your surgery! I felt so relieved after mine!

skv0123

onTarget - Thank you!!!