November 2009 Mastectomy

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2Hands4me
2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
edited June 2021 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Let's keep a list of all November surgeries. When I had surgery in February, it was so nice to see the list and compare notes with others having similar surgeries in the same time frame. I'll try to keep it updated as you share your information!

11/3 - ktsy - Bilat. mastec./TE

11/4 - keznick - Left mastec. 

11/4 - vick614 - Bilat. mastec./TE

11/4 - JLuger - Left mastec. and reconstruc.

11/5 - mirbelle - Bilat. mastec./TE then later implant

11/5 - Beets - Bilat. mastec. with nipple sparing and reconstruc.

11/6 - Margee_J - Left mastec. with TE

11/6 - DFC1994 - Bilat. mastec. with immediate tissue expanders/5 nodes removed.

11/9  - alaun - Right mastec.- (Left mastec. 6/09)

11/10 - 2Hands4me - Left mastec. - no reconstruc. (Right Mastec. 2/6/09)

11/10 -  Leslie 1962 - Bilat. mastec.

11/11 - Grakenmom - Bilat. mastec./TE

11/11 - wintersbee - Bilat. mastec. with skin expanders

11/12 - MsMarilyn - Bilat. mastec with implants

11/12 - dlhigh - Bilat skin sparing with SNB and lat flap TE

11/13 - riverview817 - Bilat. mastec. with lat. flap reconstruction

11/16 - Liz000 - Right mastec.

11/17 - YoYo44 - Bilat. mastec. with lymph node removal and TE's (after 14 weeks Taxol)

11/18 - dMorgan2 - Mastec.

11/18 - chele - Bilat. mastec. - no reconstruction

11/19 - TOB - Left mastec./DIEP reconstuc.

11/19 - jaroncam - Bilat. mastec.

11/20 - cammy2 - Bilat. mastec.

11/23 - Jane_M - Right mastec. - no reconstruction (Left mastec. 9/8/08 chemo/rads)

11/24 - mejustme09 - Bilat. mastec./? implants later

11/25 - WordDoctor - Left mastec. after recent lumpec. and SNB - future reconst./?chemo

11/30 - Kim09 - Bilat. mastec. - no reconstruc.

11/30 - Debbie68 -  Bilat mastec. with SNB followed by TE

12/1 - rebetata - Bilat. mastec. Skin sparing

12/7 - jane1254 - Right mastec.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 His Hands hold me up!
Diagnosis: 1/8/2009, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    It's already November and no one seems to have started a topic for those of us having surgery this month. I had a right mastectomy in February. At that time, there was a small area on the left that we could feel but it didn't show on mammogram or ultrasound, so the doctors decided to "watch" it thinking it was hormonal and would go away. In July, it was still there, unchanged, so they repeated the mammogram which showed nothing. They ordered an ultrasound which showed nothing, so they ordered a MRI which showed something else! They sent me back to ultrasound, then decided to do a bx. This required another appointment for the ultrasound guided bx. The results were B9 but they weren't really sure they were in the right spot, so wanted another MRI to see if the clip was in the area of concern. If not, I'm sure the next step would have been a MRI guided bx! But the tumor board decided that a left mastectomy was the best choice, so I'm scheduled for 11/10 - only a week away now. There were so many things on my calander to do - and now they are almost all crossed off. Time to do all the last minute things required for surgery - doctor appointment, lab work, hospital interview.

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  • Kim09
    Kim09 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2009

    My bi-lateral mastectomy is set for November 30 (no reconstruction).  I think reality will really start hitting me as I get closer to the date. 

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  • alaun
    alaun Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2009

    I will be having my mastectomy the day before you, it is my right breast.  I had a mastectomy back in June 2003 for DCIS with tram flap, a long recovery but it was worth it.  Never thought I would be doing this again.  I am having reconstructive surgery this time also but I will have to have an implant.I already had a lumpectomy and got clear borders and just had a sentinal node this past week and everything is good.  I am not sure what lies ahead after surgery if chemo is in my future.  I have a doctor appt. tomorrow morning to check my sentinal node site.  I need to ask some questions. It helps to hear other stories.  If anyone has suggestions on what I should ask your comments will be welcomed!.

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  • Liz000
    Liz000 Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2009

    I'll have a right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on 11/16. Before this I had a lumpectomy and a re-excision but was not able to get clear margins. Hope everybody have a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

    Liz

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  • cammy2
    cammy2 Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2009

    I am scheduled for a BiLateral Mast on November 20th.  Only thing that could change that is if the mass on my ovary is also cancer.  EEK. Having CT scan on Tues 11.3.  If it is cancer (please God no) - they would start me on Chemo right away and delay mast until cancer is under control.  So - I am hoping it is "just" breast cancer and the date will be Nov 20th.  At least it means my sister in law will be having Thanksgiving this year!

    I will keep you all in my prayers. 

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Checking in quickly to update. Off to a busy day - starting to complete those last minute details.

    cammy2 - we'll be thinking of you tomorrow - hope your CT scan will reveal good results!

    Everyone else - this is possible, we just need to take a step at a time.

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  • TOB
    TOB Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2009

    There is one for November ladies in the Breast reconstruction forum, but obviously not everyone will have reconstruction.   I'm set for a left MX/immediate DIEP on November 19.

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      I will join this group. I am scheduled for 11/9 bilateral skin sparring MX. I see my PS for pre-op tomorrow. The only thing that will change this is if I do not get the auth. letter form my insurance I will have to postpone if not as I dont want to get stuck witht the bill.

    Thanks good luck to all,

    Rebecca

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Thanks TOB - I barely found that one since I don't usually go to that forum because of no reconstruction. I just happened to find it referred to in another forum, and didn't feel it fit me since it is specific for recon. Hope it's not confusing to have one here, too. I thought there may be several others that wouldn't look there either!

    alaun and rebetata - you're one day before me! Hope you get the auth. you need!

    If you want the type of cancer listed in the list, include that and I will keep it updated. Any ideas for anything else you'd like included? Anyone have any questions?

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    I will be having bilateral mastectomy on November 10.

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  • keznick
    keznick Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2009

    I guess I'm in this group too. Having a left mastectomy on Nov 4, only a couple days away, scary. No reconstruction right away as my surgeon really did not encourage it and said her job was to make sure I survive right now and I can have the reconstruction later on.

    Found out my surgery will be at 12:30 pm, argh. The wait at the hospital is going to be horrible. I have to be there at 7 am for the sentinel node tracer injection, freaked out about that. Just hope it's not too horribly painful. There's still so much to take in with decisions, etc. Just hope it all goes well for all of us.

    nic

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  • yogamommy
    yogamommy Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2009

    I'm scheduled for bilateral mxs on Nov 4 with TE. I just completed chemo 2 weeks ago and so I do not feel physically or mentally ready for DIEP recovery.



    Well, I am getting pretty nervous. 28 hours or so until I go to the hospital. I don't know how "ready" I can be. This feels very dream-like this week. I think chemo took over so many months that I couldn't even really see past the chemo.

    Hugs,

    Vickie

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  • yogamommy
    yogamommy Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2009

    I'm scheduled for bilateral mxs on Nov 4 with TE. Keznick - same day as your surgery.



    I just completed chemo 2 weeks ago and so I do not feel physically or mentally ready for DIEP recovery. I hope I can handle TE at this point.



    Well, I am getting pretty nervous. 28 hours or so until I go to the hospital. I don't know how "ready" I can be. This feels very dream-like this week. I think chemo took over so many months that I couldn't even really see past the chemo.

    Hugs,

    Vickie

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    kernick and vick614 - we'll be thinking of you tomorrow! My SNB went very well and I'm so glad we had it done that way. Different ladies have different experiences, but it went so smoothly for me. The needle is as small as the one they use for TB skin tests and was just a small pinch. Take some fun things to do or a spouse or friend to talk to while you wait, or music. They may let you walk around after the SNB before you really have to check in with the surgery area. God bless you both with a peaceful day and easy recovery!

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  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2009

    I haven't read the other posts yet, but I will be having bilateral mx Thursday morning.  Original plan was immediate TEs then implants.  However, after MRI results, I am going to have to most likely do chemo and rads so will have to wait for reconstruction.  This is probably the worst news I've gotten since dx.  The thought of waking up with nothing but scars and drains is really weighing on me ... as is the long and daunting road of treatments ahead.

    I will be looking to see how everyone is doing after my sx next week!

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  • cammy2
    cammy2 Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2009

    Wow - a busy week - Good luck to you all with your surgeries. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. I am off to my CT scan  to make sure it is not in the ovaries as well.  SHould know by end of week.  I will keep positive and assume I will have bilat mx on 11.20 and be one of the November surgery gals. 

    Keep hanging in there everyone.  Hopefully we will be on the other side soon encouraging other women that it wasn't that bad.

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Hi mirbelle - having not had reconstruction and not planning to, the scars and drains are really not so bad (FOR ME!). It's a very personal thing; different for each of us. The drains aren't fun, but so necessary and so-o-o-o nice to have OUT! For me, knowing the cancer is OUT also is the best part. We'll be thinking of you Thursday!

    Pre-op physical, lab, EKG and pre-op interview all done today! I work all day tomorrow, then have a planned Scrapbook Marathon ALL DAY on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!!! We only do this once a year - so I'm looking forward to checking out of most everything else and enjoying the creativity and progress of getting lots of pictures and memories organized!

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    Thanks 2Hands4me for putting all this together. It will be nice to follow progress for everyone and share how our post-surgery recoveries are going.

    The closer next Tuesday gets, the more nervous I get. My pre-op labs etc. are to be done this Friday. The hospital said it could take anywhere from 2-4 hours. All I can think of is, you've got to be kidding me ? Haven't I been poked, prodded, squished, biopsied, etc. enough already? What is really left to do? Oh well, I know the process has to be followed so I will be a good girl and get myself there on Friday. 

    In addition to my bilateral mastectomy I will also have the axillary lymph nodes on the left removed because of involvement. Has anyone been told their lymph nodes were all "clumped" together? I have not come across this in any of the posts that I have read so far, but there must be someone out there with this. I hope I will be able to get back to typing medical transcription soon after the surgery. I hate the thought of watching daytime TV!. 

    Good luck everyone, you are all in my thoughts!

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Starting my string of "lasts" before surgery. Today is my last day of work - I only work one day a week plus some call time. My last call time was last Saturday. Then - Scrapbooking fun!!! Still have some minor details to wrap up but most are so minor they can wait until Monday.

    Thinking of everyone here - especially keznick and vick614 today. Let us know how you're doing when you can and know we're thinking of you and praying for you!

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

        Lots of prayers and gentle hugs to keznick and vick614 hope everything comes out perfect and you heal quickly. I will be thinking about you.

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    I'm 37 years old and my bi-lateral mastectomy is set for Nov 12 with immediate reconstructive.  I just found out that I had cancer on Oct. 29th... things are moving so quickly that my head is still spinning.  I'm so scared that I don't have the words.  My daughter just turned 9 on the 24th and my husband can't even look at me without crying.

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      MsMarilyn I know how you are feeling I am 31 years old I too have a 9 year old daughter. I hope you will find comfort in these women you will meet here. I have found much peace with discussing all we will be going thru. I don't remember who said it but it goes like this " Think about it this way your breast are the bad guys and they have to go" Are you electing for reconstruction at the same time? If you have any questions we are all here for you. I am scheduled for 11/9

    Best Wishes,

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Hi Rebecca,

    Thank you for your kind words.  Yes I've elected to start the reconstructive stage at the same time.   I really don't have anyone that I can talk with about any of this and I'm so thankful my doctor told me about this site. I've been reading different posts on here and everyone seems so kind, caring, understanding and compassionate.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your surgery goes smoothly and you results are the best they can be.

    Thank you again,

    Marilyn

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

       I sent you a PM hope it helps.

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  • kanthony
    kanthony Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2009

    my thoughts and prayers are with you, keznick and vick614!

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

         Many prayers mirbelle and hope you are feeling better soon. Keznick and vick614 hope today finds you fealing better.

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  • Margee_J
    Margee_J Member Posts: 18
    edited November 2009

    I'm scheduled for a left Mastec + TE with future implant reconstruction for tomorrow, Nov. 6th!  I was originally diagnosed in July with DCIS, now after 4 biopsies, many tests, had a SNB + large Lumpect 10/16 with unclear margins and diagnosis upgraded to IDC, I'm looking forward to being done with this and I just keep thinking that by tomorrow afternoon I should be cancer free!  If the Dr.s are right, I shouldn't even need rads or chemo, just the Tamoxifen!  I'm sorry to lose my breast, I will miss it greatly. I've chosen implants because I don't want to spend any more time deciding which reconstruction would be right for me, and implants can always be changed to flap if needed/wanted. 

    Unfortunately, my husband can't deal with this anymore and has kinda 'shut down', it's been too much for him to handle.  Luckily I have family that will travel to help me and good friends and neighbors.  Have to get up at 3:30am to be at the hospital by 5am, & in the OR @ 7:30am.  I'm off to finish packing so I'll be checking back sometime next week, and if I can't sleep tonight I'll be back later.  Wink  Many prayers, good thoughts and hoping for a quick and easy recovery for everyone!  

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    Good luck tomorrow!

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

     I am sad to say I have been postponed due to insurance dragging there feet. I am so sad about it. I had finally prepared myself for Monday but now its the unknown again.

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Rebecca,

    I'm soooo sorry that the insurance is dragging their feet... for me waiting is the worst part.  Causing so many yo-yo- emotions.  Hang in there and just remember, you do have friends here that you can lean on anytime you need us.

    **Hugs**

    Marilyn

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