Class of 2010

My surgeon asked me to take a week after the lumpectomy, because, she said, I'd earned it.  I was swollen, but could have worked (desk/computer job).  Later on, the shooting pains from nerve damage bothered me, but I was still very able to work.  Didn't lift big stacks of books or move book carts around (library).  No numbness.

luariez - I had lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on a Friday and returned to work Monday. I only had one node removed but the surgery went really well and healing process was uneventful. I did have 4 physical therapy sessions with exercises, stretching and massages which may have helped.

 Teka - I just didn't feel "normal". Following treatment #1 I took one anti-nausea pill a day occasionally the first 5 or 6 days when I started feeling a little queasy but never really felt sick. I did have a strange taste in my mouth and food/drink didn't taste the same as normal the first week or two after but by the third week, I almost felt 100% normal.

Hi all-

Just found this page today and is like reading the first three months of my own ear a little bit.  I found a lump last year.. maybe around early november, shortly before I walked the three day susan g comen for the cure (check it at the3day.org) walk for a cure for breast cancer. An incredible event I recommend to all pink peeps! Its 60 miles in 3 days.. and so much inspiration..  Anyway I was only a cancer tourist at that point. On Jan 4 2010 I finally went to get the lump checked, and on 18 JAN 10 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Very similar timeline to yours I think Irish47? I had surgery on 10 FEB.. partial with SNB..  went well but small micro-metastasis in one lymph node. I am 44 and already postmenopausal thanks to the life gift of 2009 ... And so the tumor staged at early stagy 2 (T1C N1MI). I recognize most of the terminology on the earlier posts here.. but not all.. I am in glendale CA, so a neighbor to Katie in Pasadena I think?!

Anyway since the surgery i have had the mammosite radiation therapy, on a clinical trial, and am waiting for results of a BRCA gene test next Thursday. If that's negative, then 6 course of TC chemo, once ever three weeks.. if its positive.. well that different isnt it?

I have been surviving without any net support all this time because I have great friends and a wonderful boss.. and I think its all doable..  until recently..  Now with the chemo looming and a lot going on at work ( I am a director at a biopharmaceutical company) I am scared and confused and I was SOOOO thrilled to find this group which not only has answered already a lot of my questions, but has such cool people and even some Irish compatriots. I was born and raised in Cork city and have been here on CA since 94, but go back all the time.  Not this Summer it seems .  My Mom is coming to visit on Tuesday and I am hoping that chemo doesn't start until she leaves, coz I don't want here to have to witness that and then go home.. I want to have some good times wit her before I go back to all the uncertainty..

Thanks you all for a great read. I look forward to spending time with you.

LaurieZ, I had lumpectomy with SNB on Feb. and axillary node dissection on Feb. 22, in total 23 nodes removed.  I was back to work after one week with the first surgery, and felt good.  The second time around I went back after eleven days, and probably would have gone back sooner if I didn't have the drain, but I am glad that I didn't.  The second surgery knocked me for a loop, and I probably should have waited a few more days.  I work in retail, and found it difficult to keep up with the physical demands (lifting, standing all day, reaching), I was exhausted after my 8 hour shifts.  I am 51 years old, and like KatieMom, I am pretty tough, pretty good with pain and not a wussy.  I am good now, but it took longer than I expected.

Listen to your body.

Cathyqk...welcome to our little group.  Wonderful to have you aboard.  Sounds like you've got a lot of compassion...not wanting your mom to have a memory of seeing you not well.  That speaks volumes about your character.  I hope you have a great visit with your mom...and try not to worry if she is around when you have to have your chemo...if you were my daughter I might crawl over glass to be with you while you take it.  It will be ok.   I look forward to your posts and to hearing about your progress as you move toward full health and wellness!  Take care pink peep.... ....we're all here for you...as you are for us.  I'm off to bed...lovely evening out tonight with good friends...they made a lot of great East Indian food...wow....yummy in my tummy.

Thank you Teka and Linda for the welcome! Hope you are both having a great weekend.

cathyqk,

Sorry I missed your earlier posts...welcome to the club none of wanted to be a part.  You will find a wonderful support system here of women who are fighters and friends.  Stay strong. 

I really do believe that the whole fight must be body, mind and spirit. 

artsymom,

NO idea!

Thanks to all who posted to my questions regarding post op course for lumpectomy, SNB, and axillary node dissection. It helps alot! I work 2 12 hour shifts/week. I will consider asking my manager if I can work 3 8 hour shifts instead, if it comes to that.

lauriez....

GO SPARTY!!!!! FInal Four!  What a great game.

Dublin4....YEAH BABY! What a game!

Teka: Thanks!

Cathyqk: Welcome!

Welcome mom2aej!  I'm sure you are not excited about joining our ranks...but it sounds like you are not too surprised either.  I don't remember if it was me or not who posted somethng about regrets...but I certainly recall a recent post where someone was really unable to decide what to do and kept going back and forth.  A good friend of hers suggested something which I personally think is an excellent idea.  The suggestion was to choose one of your options and live/breath/think as though this is 100% your decision for the following 3 days.  Then, change and decide the other option is your decison and then live/breath/think as though it were your true decison for the next three days.  For our pink sister who tried this she knew right away which was the best choice for her as she had a real peace of mind and could sleep without worry etc and this is how she found what was her best decision.  As you know, this is such a personal decision and it will come down to you and what you want. 

Sounds like there are certain factors that will make the decision for you (from what you said) but if it falls into the 'dreaded grey zone'...then you are not sure what to do...is this right?  I'm guessing here...but it sounds like you are leaning toward a double Mx...but are worried that it is too radical a choice.   I'm just going to throw something in here...not that you are asking me directly or anything...but as you can probably gather from my posts, I'm a little outspoken...but in a nice way and with love in my heart .  So, I'm going to say if it were me, regardless of the results of the genetic tests, and with the history your family has, your young age and the fact you believe in your heart that if you had a lumpectomy it is only a matter of time before it comes back...I would personally choose the double mx and throw everything else I could at it. 

You can get nice implants and like you say...you've got some extra skin so you might as well put it to some good use, sista!!   Regardless of what you choose, good luck to you and again, welcome aboard.

Hi Teka...I was thinking about your post and do you know what?  At times I still cannot believe my own diagnosis.  It is like I'm in a dream or nightmare of some sort.  At times I actually forget and then all of a sudden I remember again.  I think one of THE defining moments happened for me when I had an ultra sound done on my breast.  The technitian picked up the phone and called someone into the room.  I didn't know who was coming or why anyone else had to even join us so Iasked her who did she call and why?  She said she thought it was a good idea to have a "little biopsy" done.  I said, "ON WHAT?"  I could not believe what was going on...and that she thought there could be ANYTHING there to biopsy! 

Of course, as we all know, a lump was indeed there and I had an invasive carcinoma...1.8 cm.  I'm wondering if the feeling of denial ever really goes away....we're a funny bunch aren't we?  Not the pink peeps so much...just people in general...we seem to block out things we don't want to accept...or maybe this is just me?  LOL. 

Hi GP...you've been missed!  So much has been going on for you...your head must be spinning at times.  YAY!!  No more radiation!  And the pinkness will calm down, I'm sure.  Were you pink and/or lumpy before you started??  Did you have the numbness before the radiation?  I hope it doesn't last too long for you.

Glad Terry is home and well on the way to full recovery as well.  Sounds like you both need a vacation don't you think?

Goodnite, GP.  Glad you are well...and that your dear mother had such an amazing send off...she would be pleased, I'm quite certain.  I hope my kids do something like that for me one day.  God bless you.