Nearly Two Months for Surgery?

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Thanks, barbe!

    I just can't wait for the bone scan to be over this week and the surgery to be done this coming Friday.  Still getting over this miserable cold, but BS cleared me for surgery - just the sniffles, no fever - so ok.  Tomorrow I am going to get the Last Manicure and Pedicure before surgery (sounds like the Last Supper!) since I think this is a life-affirming thing.  But I know what you mean about not being able to make decisions, etc. - and thanks so much for sharing what you went through with me.  I really appreciate it.  Have a great day!

    Maria

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009
    oh Barbe! I just had to respond to your post, I thought I was the only person doing the funeral planning thing in my head, and then I panicked because I thought I was wishing it on myself! Oh the things we think about while going through this nighmare! Well bless your heart, I am so happy its over, you can move forward! Big hugs and prayers to you!
    Lorraine ox
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  • Lories
    Lories Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2009

    Hi Barbe - did you have to wait so long for a mammogram because you were in Canada?  I am a Windsor born Cdn living here in the US (became a citizen) , and wondered about how the Cdn system may work.

    I always thought that socialized medicine was good, but I checked the calendar yesterday and from my dx to surgery was less than 3 weeks, so I feel very fortunate for my health care providers here in Alaska.

    Glad to hear you are at least on the mend, and planning for good things to happen. 

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Lories, my dx to surgery was 6 days, and took that long only because my surgeon only operates on Tuesdays. My mammogram was FAST for Canada because I was high-risk due to previous lumps.

    Fairy49, I even had my husband pick out music (while we drove in the car) to play during the funeral service; but of course men don't listen to the words, only the music. T'was interesting to hear his choices. Really brought it all home. We have 2 out of 4 kids getting married this year and I am determined to be there in a healthy state. I don't want the memories or pictures to be of Mom looking sick...

    Britt, you do know that you CANNOT have nail polish on any nails, don't you? Nice treat, though, enjoy! 

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    barbe -

    I kept imagining a memorial service with recording of Edith Piaf singing, "No, Je Regrette Rein" - really (that's how warped my humor is!)

    Anyway, yes, I have head from many reliable sources - NO nail polish on any nails.  So I am going to my nail salon today to have the polish taken off of the toes and the gel acrylics taken off of the fingernails.  I was going to have the whole works done last week, but I'm glad I didn't, because then it would all have to come off anyway and what a waste of money.  So I'll just wait until after this is over for a while before I indulge in the "pampering"

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009

    barbe! How exciting, two weddings!! much more fun than thinking about the other stuff, I am a wedding planner so I live and breath weddings LOL!! I wish all the best for you! Britt, Good Luck!! Keep us posted! Big hugs!!

    Lorraine ox

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    One of the weddings is in the Dominican, Punta Cana at a 5 star hotel, but in MAY! (They are going to get married up here "for real" before they go down as they've heard so many horror stories of the legalities down there!) The other is in North Bay, Ontario in August. On another thread I mentioned how my daughter suggested I get a backless dress as I have a nice back. How perceptive of her!

    We want to hear from you Britt, you know you are in our thoughts... 

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009

    Barbe! the weddings sound awesome! How lovely! I love destination weddings, but they can present a challenge thats for sure! Have a wonderful time, enjoy!

    Lorraine

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi, all -

    It it apparent I will not be having the bone scan this week - the earliest I could have had it done was today - any later than that, the radioactive stuff that they inject for the bone scan would interfere with the radioactive stuff for the SNB on Friday.  BS's nurse left a message at the hospital where it is to be done and has yet to hear back from them.

     So there it is.  My BS's nurse called late yesterday afternoon with this information.  She also advised to have all false nails taken off and all nail polish taken off and she also ordered the EMLA cream to numb the nipple for the SNB needle.  My pharmacy called me this morning to advise that they had to order it and it will not be available until 3pm tomorrow - so since my nail salon is in the same plaza as the pharmacy, I will take care of them both tomorrow.

    Another fun thing is that the SNB will be performed at the radiology place across the street from the hospital. They will only use a local.  I have to be there at 9:15 am Friday morning.  My surgery at the hospital is scheduled for 1 pm.  After the SNB is performed, my mom and her friend the retired nurse will have to drive me to the hospital across the street for the surgery.  At least it is all close by - but I really would rather have both procedures performed in the same facility.  This sounds rather barbaric to me and I wonder if any of you had a similar experience.

    Yesterday I went to Wal-mart to purchase the snap in front sports bras - they did not have anything in white in my size (34) and I was advised by others who have been through the same experence to get a size larger, so I got a heather grey one in 36 and a black one in 38 - the 36 looked rather skimpy, so I thought getting one in 38 would be a good idea just in case.

    So there it is for now.  We have a cold front here in Vero (ok, those of you up north will laugh) - with lows in low 40s and highs in the low 60s - Friday will be the coldest day so far and this will last into next week.

    Boy, girls, Punta Cana looks good right now. Barbe, which resort in Punta Cana?  I have been to the Club Med there about 8 years ago and it was really lovely.

    That's it for now.  All prepared.  Just waiting for the darn thing to be over with!!!!!!!

    Hope all is going well for you all -

    Maria

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Britt, Colonial Majestic, or Majestic Colonial, something like that.

    As for the SNB, maybe they're just doing the radiology across the street and forwarding it to the hospital for the surgery. I can't see them opening you up twice, and they don't perform surgery at an x-ray place. They only have to take the pictures in the morning, then the surgeon reviews them during the lumpectomy to see where to go. He may also inject a blue dye to give him something to aim for if it reacts anywhere. I just had a bunch of needles injected around my aereola the day before my surgery, then at the hospital the morning of, they took the slides for review during surgery. I'm sure that's what's happening for you.

    The bras can be tighter as it helps compress the breast and prevent swelling, but large enough for the dressing. You seem to have it all covered (pun intended).

    I would love to have your kind of "cold". Here, your nostrils stick together as soon as you go outside, but I don't know if you'll know what I mean, if you know what I mean! LOL 

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Thanks, Barbe - that seems to be what they are doing.

    I think it's the Majestic Colonial, and that is a VERY lovely and posh place - Punta Cana is very, very beautiful and the Dominican people are extremely warm and accomodating.  Plus the food and the music are fabulous! And the beaches . . .  paradise on earth.

    I'm glad I made the right decisions about the bras.

    Keep warm!

    Maria

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Britt, you are in my prayers....

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited January 2009

    Yes, please let us know how the surgery went...

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi, everyone -

    Thanks for the good wishes!  just got home at 6pm EDT - LONG DAY - but SNB a breeze - and so far all neg nodes and I didn't need a drain - which is good news - but I'll be short in this note since my right arm is kind of sore!  Taped up in an Ace and even down here in FL it is freezing so having some herbal tea to warm up -

    Once again, thanks to everyone and blessings to all -

    Maria

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    You had your lumpectomy? Glad you're home!

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009

    oh Maria! negative nodes how awesome!!! rest up and check in with us when you are up to it!

    Big Hugs!!
    Lorraine ox

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Anyone heard how Maria is doing? Maria, we need to know that you are okay!

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi Barbe! and to everyone -

    I'm ok!  Still alive! Just took a bit of a respite from the computer due to sore right arm, which is feeling better so here I am again - just logged on - thanks so much for your concern!  Took off the Ace bandage yesterday, in which I was encased like an Egyptian mummy, and donned one of the athletic bras that snap in the front, which feels really good and comfortable - just snug enough.  Right boob barely distinguishable from the left - BS did a great job - but large wound by the underarm area, where the nodes were taken out.  That's what really hurts the most, but it is beginning to abate a bit.  Sleeping a lot and resting and reading and of course watched the inauguration all day yesterday.

    I think the fact that I am right-hand dominant is making the right arm issue a bit more difficult - has anyone else had that kind of pain after surgery/SNB?  I heard it's quite common - and I am so thankful I didn't have to wear a drain. 

    The path report has not yet arrived - but I have follow up appt with BS this Friday morning - haven't showered yet since my arm is so achy, so just doing the sponge bath routine, and using good facial wipes (Olay's, which I highly recommend).  Happy to report that my SNB experience was not a nightmare - the Emla numbing cream helped somewhat, and the initial of three needles used to numb the area really stung, but the actual needle into the aueola didn't hurt at all.

    As I said before, BS did report to my mother after surgery that there appeared to be no node involvement as far as she could tell before the path report.  So that is good - but I am remaining cautiously optimistic!

    And yes everyone, we are having unusually cold weather down here in FL!!!! It was 33 this morning ( average temp at this time of year is 70-75) and only hit a high of 51.  It is going to plummet to freezing tonight, so I have donned flannel pjs (that button in front, of course!) to keep warm - actually, they are the most comfortable things to wear apres' lumpectomy -

    Hope everyone else is feeling well and doing well and keeping warm (don't know if keeping warm applies to Lorraine - I heard you guys are having unusually warm weather in So. California! - so Lorraine, enjoy the warmth of the sun!)

    Big (yet gentle!) hugs to all -

    Maria

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  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited January 2009

    Britt

       I'm getting a lumpectomy but having chemo first....was diagnosed the end of Oct, been thru 4 every other week treatments of A/C, and after the 3rd was informed it shrunk the tumor in my breast 90%......I'm go tomorrow for my 3rd of 12 weekly taxol.....Last week I was informed by the midlevel assistant who examined me that she couldn't find the lumps either in my breast or under my arm....Am with holding my excitement until I see my regular onc on the 12th though to make sure since that was the first time I've ever seen this assistant.....

    I had a rotten biopsy, they gave me ONE shot of the numbing stuff, didn't work....man i came up off that table.......the doc had tears in his eyes.......NEVER had anything hurt like that before.....but like you, I want my surgery over and done with.....kind of afraid that even though the chemo is working on those lumps, what if it's gone somewhere else? I know, I like to worry bout things that haven't even happened yet........

    Luv, hugs and prayers

    Deb

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi, Deb -

    Wow! That is really something about the lumps!  Of course, like you, I tend to worry about things that haven't happened yet, but sometimes I wish I were given the option of getting chemo before the lumpectomy.  How big was your lump?  Mine was 2.6cm and I am (so far, still!) a 34B -

    You will be in my thoughts on the 12th - it will be interesting to hear what your onc says! How have you been faring with the chemo?

    When is your lumpectomy scheduled?  I can only speak for myself, but the actual surgery and SNB were not as bad as I anticipated at all - and I can relate to your rotten biopsy - I had an MRI guided biopsy that was one of the most painful experiences in my life and the surgery was nothing compared to that!

    So, please keep me posted on how you progress -

    And lots of love, hugs and prayers to you, Deb!

    Maria

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Maria, I am just over a month out and even now when I raise my left arm I feel the sting. I have had to conciously use my left arm to "exercise" it, so I wonder if it being your right arm you will be forced to move it more. I can't feel when I put deodorant on (have to look in the mirror!) as the area is still numb. Wondering how long that will last.

    Glad to hear it went well, was kind of worried. Nice to have something else to worry about! Please make sure you post your results. When do you hear?

    Deb - maybe the lumps can't be felt because they've shrunk like they're supposed to. Not disappeared. Hate to be a party pooper, but it looks like your treatment is working. Don't be disappointed that you still have lumps to get out! That is horrendous about your biospy!

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi Barbe -

    Thanks for the input on your left arm.  My area on right under the arm is numb also.  I should hear either today or tomorrow when I meet with BS for post-op exam. 

    Will definitely let you all know when I find out!

    So sweet of you to worry!  Have a great day - must finish breakfast (lost 8 pounds so must continue to eat!)

    Big hugs,

    Maria

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  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited January 2009

    Hi Britt

      I believe the lump was 3.5cm, the one under my arm I have no clue as that one was never tested, guess they believed they would find out during the lumpectomy /node surgery.....which btw, isn't even scheduled yet.....I've done 4 rounds of A/C every other week which was just plain horrid....Of course I have read where it affects everyone differently, I swear I thought I was dying...Anyone on A/C--WATER, WATER, WATER....Now I am on the Taxol, every week for 12 weeks.......I went today and got my treatment, the same girl examined me again, said she still could not find those lumps..........The taxol is a piece of cake, no SEs yet..When I'm done with the chemo, then 2 weeks later I am supposed to get the lumpectomy, then move onto radiation, then Arimidex for 5 yrs.

    Barbe-There will be no treatment changes, will just make for an easier lumpectomy....my doctor is way to careful and cautious to stop treatment or postpone a surgery........It just tickles me because it means the chemo worked and I didn't go thru all of that for nothing..........

    Luv, hugs and prayers

    Deb

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009
    Maria! so happy to "hear" from you! Glad you are doing well! We had a heat wave last week its be incredible weather for January! I had a bride (I am a wedding planner) come in from Alaska for her wedding it was 20 below there, so she and her guests were thrilled to be here! Today however a swift change and its been drizzling! Oh well! Big hugs to you, keep us posted on your progress and your path report, I know all will be well!  I had a bit of a setback this week, infection in the right foob, on IV antibiotics its been a bummer but I am doing better!Laughing
    Lorraine ox
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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone -

    Deb, it sounds like you are on the right track and under good care!

    Lorraine, so sorry to hear you had an infection and on IV antibiotics?  How long were you in the hospital?  So happy to hear you are doing better!

    Any, here's my news: met with BS this afternoon re path report.  More good than bad - totally clear margins, but an infintisimal amount of cancer found in sentinal node - 0.2 cc - the other node taken out was negative.  BS gave me the option of an axillary node operation, noting that with such a small amount, it would only mean 2% of recurrence.  I decided not to.  She was supportive of this and mentioned the risks of an axillary node operation.  Meeting with a medical onco next week to discuss options and also with rad onco.  I feel comfortable with this decision.  The grade remained at 2, and the tumor was 2.3 cm -smaller than originally diagnosed.  So not too bad - not the absolute best! - but I can live with it!

    Blessings to all -

    Maria

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited January 2009

    Hi Maria! so glad to hear you had more good news than bad! :) you rock and will come through all of this cr..p!   Luckily I didn't have to go into the hospital, "just" 6 hours in the oh so fun emergency room, didn't feel too bad until I had to spend 6 hours there, it was sooo depressing!! I am infusing at home with the IV antibiotics which I have to tell you has been quite the comedy! Hubby and I trying to figure it out! I had to have the nurse come this morning because we messed it up last night and she had to show me AGAIN how to do it, I think I have it figured out, but jeez, I sure don't like doing it! just another little bump in the road! I just don't want to lose the expander and have to start over, so I am willing to put up with the situation as it is right now.  I am just having a bit of a dilema on how to cover the IV line for work this weekend, I don't think my brides will take kindly to me having this "equipment" visable so I have cut up a bunch of socks, that coordinate with my sweaters LOL!! to make sleeves to cover the IV tube and all the other crap thats hanging! Have a great weekend, keep getting better!
    Love

    Lorraine ox

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Maria, wonderful outcome! The more invasive auxilary surgery would put you at a much higher risk for lymphedema as well. Did your surgeon talk about that?

    Welcome home. You too, Lorraine! 

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Lorraine -Thanks for the good wishes! So sorry you had such a rough time! I HATE the ER -and that you still have to keep the IV on at home.  What a hassle!  Have you thought about getting a visiting nurse to come in for a little bit each day to help out?  (I was going to do that if I had the drains, since I am such a klutz about such things) - but your job - career - business - sounds like so much fun - love that you cut up socks to coordinate with your sweaters to cover the IV tubes so as not to make your brides uncomfortable! You also have a great weekend and continued prayers and best wishes that you overcome this hump very soon!

    Barbe - thanks your your concern and thinking it is a wonderful outcome - which I really believe it is - and BS did stress that the axillary surgery would put me at a great risk for lympedema, nerve damage, etc. - and it's my dominant arm and hand and I am a legal assistant and earn my living using my hands on the computer.  And 0.2mm (not 0.2 cc as I mistakenly typed yesterday - but I was enjoying my first glass of wine in weeks and that no doubt caused the typo!) not enough cancer to take the chance.

    Everyone, have a wonderful weekend!

    Maria

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  • Ellen08
    Ellen08 Member Posts: 10
    edited February 2009

    I waited for two months after my diagnosis.  I too was extremely concerned, but when I asked my doctor if the cancer would grow/spread, he said, "Look, if you feel the tumor, it's been there for at least four years.  If you don't feel it, it's been there for two years.  I don't think two months is that much of  concern."  So, I took his advice, and all is good.  I had a bilateral mastectomy on November 17, 2008.  Am currently dealing with expanders (iron shields). 

     I asked for Xanax during that interim period because I was just a wreck.  It really helped soooo much.  They even let me take it the morning of my surgery. 

    Good luck to you.  This will all be behind us some day.Smile 

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