August 2010 Mastectomy

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010

    Hi Girls,

    I had LCIS and decided to have a PBM with direct to implants reconstrution back in 1/09. For me it was the best decision because I wouldn't have been able to deal with waiting for test resuilts every 6 mons. for the rest of my life.

     I just wanted to say that the surgery isn't as bad as you think. I was so worried about how much pain I would be in and it wasn't really painful. Just a feeling of soreness and tighness not any real pain. The worst part are the drains.

    Nbb, my PS is one of the ones from www.BreastReconstrution.org Dr. Ron Israeli

    If I can answer any questions please send me a PM.

    Best of luck to all of you

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Hi Stonebrook108,

    Thanks for taking the time to reassure all of us August 2010 MX girls.  Am I correct in assuming that nothing was done to any of the nodes?  Don't you have to check those periodically after a PBM?  Or, is that only if you have found to have cancer?  Just curious.

    Robin, "keep calm" --- easy for you to say.  This is my last weekend - I leave tomorrow for Baltimore - and I am cleaning, packing, and generally freaking out.   I  am waking up frequently, second guessing my decisions so far and thinking about future "what if?" scenarios.   I swear, I will be so glad when next week is behind me. 

    Tara - I too am also more worried about the SNB than the operation itself (by the way, I get the dreaded radioactive tracer shot the day before - 2:00PM this Tuesday) and what the pathology report will say and the decisions I will have to make.  Oh, so sorry about your cat adding to your stress level.

    Anne - I totally understand how surreal this situation is.  I feel better than anytime in my life and forget sometimes that I have cancer.  My friends have been taking me out to lunch and giving me little presents and cards and it's like it's my birthday or something - very wierd.  

    Carla - Thanks for thinking about those of us that still are processing the cancer diagnosis and all the decisions that have to be made.   I must feel really good that all that is behind you and all you have to worry about it getting well from your operation. 

    Well, I better get back to my cleaning!

    Nancy   

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  • Anne068
    Anne068 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Nbb!!  Good luck on your surgery! I wish you a speedy recovery!!!!

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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010

    i am scheduled for BMX w/TE Fri Aug 13, 2010. Have pre-op app this week and seninel node tracer shot the night before surgery.

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    I am scheduled for mastectom/TE August 18. Still to decide if I will have a prophylactic on the right side. Sigh....so hard.

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010

    Hi Nbb,

    My BS did do a sentinel node biopsy and it was clear. My path report did show a small trace of LCIS in the good breast. So, I figure I saved myself from future surgeries by having a PBM.

    I go once a year to the BS and also the PS.for checkups. Thats it

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Hello ladies,

     I am scheduled for a BM on Aug 4 at Stanford in CA. Is there a list of tips or suggestions for the post-surgery recovery period? 

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Hello ladies,

     I am scheduled for a BM on Aug 4 at Stanford in CA. Is there a list of tips or suggestions for the post-surgery recovery period? 

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  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited August 2010

    Nancy,

    I am feeling the anxiety with you, when I think about the 31st I get into a muck sweat! Everyone seems to go into 'nesting' mode before their due date........ must be natures way of keeping the mind distracted Wink If I was there I'd give you a big hug so I'm sending a virtual one instead.... <<<hug>>>>

    We'll all be thinking about you on 4th, has anyone said how long you'll be in for?

    Hugs and well wishes too for Smurfiep, also on 4th......

    Welcome to lovesnature and brokendreams.......

    Glad but sorry to meet you here xx

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Smurfiep - Welcome! We are surgery twins!  I too am having my op on the 4th.  Are you having any recon?

    Lovesnature - Welcome! I know what you are going through.  All the decisions we have to make are so hard.  What is your diagnosis?  Has your BS helped you so that you can even make an informed decision?  Luckily, there is a lot of info on this board and other women in your same situation.  

    Brokendreams - Welcome to our little group!  I am now calling it " Eight for August".  Where are you from so I can add it to the list.  

    Robin - Thanks so much for the hug!  Anne - Thanks for the luck!  

    I'll probably check in one more time and let everyone know how the Tracer Shot was for the Sentinal Node which I'll have tomorrow.

    Nancy

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Welcome to the new women!  I'm glad you've found us.

    Nancy - can't wait to hear your feedback on the SNB.  I've talked once to the BS nurse and she says it feels like "30 seconds of a bee sting and only women who were completely unaware are unprepared."  Hmmmm.  It's amazing to read all the different reactions on the SNB list, and the sometimes multiple shots.  More importantly, may the surgeon gods and goddesses be smiling down on Baltimore TOMORROW!!

    lovesnature - it's a TOUGH decision.  Read all you can, and all the different women's opinions on whether they did do both, or only one.  I really appreciated the honesty of the women who were not happy with the "uni-boob" feeling!  I think I'd be irritated as all heck with one real and one not.  Also, list out your risk factors and discuss with BS.  Mine were just too high for comfort.

    Anne - we're on a 8 day countdown.  I'm getting a chiropractor adjustment this Thursday morning, and a relaxation massage Thursday night.

    Love to all.  I was in the fabric store yesterday thinking I'd buy fabric to recover a bedroom chair.  I stopped myself.  Plenty of time for that later!!

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    nbb1032

    What we know so far. I have DCIS multifocal, Paget's, ER-/PR-., grade 3.  I did not have a sentinal biopsy at the time of lumpectomy. I will have it the day of my mastectomy. My BS and an oncologist I have consulted with state there is no medical reason, for a bilateral. This whole thing has me freaked out!

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  • Carole66
    Carole66 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2010

    I am having a BMX on Aug 12th with immediate reconstuction with expanders.

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  • Carlatap
    Carlatap Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2010

    NBB132:

    Sorry I've taken so long to answer your question. We are giving my daughter a baby shower on the 7th-my first grandchild- and have been busy with this on top of everything else. My husband is a pastor so basically the whole church is invited along with family and friends. Sounds crazy, right? (but a lot of fun).

    Back to the question. My onc. wanted me to take radiation following the chemo b/c it was my 2nd time around with BC. I had cancer in the other breast back in March of 02. The first time around I had a lumpectomy followed by 33 rounds of radiation.-but no hormone treatment. In March of 09 I was diagnosed with BC, ER-,PR-,HER-. Actually, my tumor was 1.5, and my chemo was 4 rounds of Cytoxan and Taxol. While taking radiation, I tested positive for BRCA2. So that women do not have to go through chemo and radiation and then a mastectomy, I would suggest those of us with a family history of cancer, to ask about getting tested for the hereditary mutation before surgery and treatments begin. I have a friend at church who had a strong family history of BC, and she asked to be tested before surgery and chemo, and her tests results came back in a week b/c her tumor grade was a 3, and they wanted to begin quickly on her surgery and treatments. Knowing the results plays a huge role in your decision about whether you have a lumpectomy or a BM.

    I'm praying for you and Smurfiet as you prepare for Aug 4.  I'm praying that God grant you peace, quick recovery, and a sense of direction with your decision-making. I'm also praying for your families and for the surgeons who are performing your surgeries.

    Robin:

    I'm so happy that you are able to have your surgery this month! That's great news!

    "Be strong and courageous"

    Carla 

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Thanks ladies, I feel a strange reassurance in knowing that there are many others out there that will be going through this surreal surgery soon.

    Nbb1032 -  Yes, my surgeon is doing a SNB and I am doing immediate recon as well (as an aside, my surgeon is doing the SNB after I am out...so not worried about the contrast shot)

    I too am feeling very nervous and have second guessed my decision for the last few weeks. I do believe this is the best choice for me but I want to get this all behind me. (I have been taking xanax since Saturday to keep it together in front of my kids). I guess I am mostly afraid of the post-surgical pain and of course, I keep thinking about having to wait for the final pathology report and that it will contain something unexpected (ie worse),

    It is funny but this weekend I managed to get alot of house cleaning done...I keep thinking that I don't want the house a mess for my sisters who will be caring for me in the coming weeks:-)

    Carla - Thank you so much for your prayers. I will also keep all of you in my own.

    Also if anyone has stumbled across any info/recommendations for post-MX,, please let me know.

     ~Smurfie 

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    I gave the date of my surgery incorrectly. It is actually the 16th.

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    Smurfie xanax is helping me too.

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  • Carlatap
    Carlatap Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2010

    Smurfie,

    I noticed that in this Surgery Forum, there is someone who started a sub-forum named something like, "Shopping/packing/ to do list before surgery and recovery" It was full of good ideas to help get you ready for coming home after a BM with reconstruction. Also, my sister had a mastectomy with  a tram reconstruction 5 weeks ago and she has had to learn a lot about patience. Slowly but surely she is recovering but it is quite a warning to me that this is not a quick recovery process. Patience is key.....

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Thanks Carla - I found the thread and it is quite helpful. Its interesting how different each woman's experience is with regard to their discomfort (ie some people got by on Tylenol???). I guess we just won't know until we're there!

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010

    I  want to tell you girls to go buy some big pillows. It's hard to move yourself around in bed and having the pillows behind you helps. I also took a cushion from one of my chairs and put that against the headboard then the pillows.  Make it so it's like your sitting up in bed. This way when you have to get up you can just swing your legs around and not have to be pulled up. Between the drain tubes and not being able to use your arms much this helped.

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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010
    Hi Nancy. I am in Quail Valley California. Thank you for welcoming me to the groupSmile
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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010

    Smurfiep and Nbb... wishing you both the very best on your surgery. We are all in this with you. Hope to see you back on the boards after surgery and after you can move your arms and hands to use the keyboard. Sending hugs your way.

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  • sunnybluesky
    sunnybluesky Member Posts: 26
    edited August 2010

    Here it is almost one o'clock in the morning and I keep finding so many really, really helpful forums and such caring people--I just can't go to sleep!  I will write more tomorrow, but I wanted to join the August group. I am still second guessing my decisions--I can't even make up my mind as to what to order in a restaurant, let alone what to do about breast cancer surgery.  I have a case of the Three P's--Perfectionism ( have to get it right! ) which leads tp Procrastination and finally Paralysis!  I have a second appointment with the PS August 17, another second opinion appointment August 11, tentative surgery either August 23 or August 31.  I was feeling guilty about how I always put things off--did not have a mammogram for three years--and now I have most likely delayed the surgery.  Fast forward to The Breast Health Center where they have this absolutely incredible counselor (a 20 year bc survivor) who sees all newly diagnosed -- she helped me nip the guilt in the bud.  What a relief to hear that I didn't do any harm because of my inability to face this. I think i'm going to do unilateral MX withTE and saline implant.  Can't do lumpectomy with radiation or DIEP or TRAM because I have Lupus.  But how did you all deccide on whether or not to have bilateral MX.  I am thinking that would be a good choice as worrying is not my cup of tea.  The other points that were made-- made me chuckle--about getting the house in order, casseroles in the freezer, etc--I've been trying to paint the woodwork and get the garden under control for YEARS!  I'll be thinking about you all and asking the angels to watch over us....

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  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited August 2010

    Welcom Sunny, I think it's natural to be anxious when you find yourself in a potentially life changing situation. I found myself (I have LCIS) in a real downward spin initially. Then I found this forum, reading the experience of others and having a mutual support group has been brilliant.

    Bmx was right for me as I was given a 1 in 5 risk for malignancy in either breast; I knew that I'd struggle to cope mentally with mammograms/biopsies/MRI scans etc every year or 6 months... so for me a no-brainer. Can't happen fast enough.. If I don't do it and got invasive cancer later I'd be furious with myself....

    You have to weigh up  the risks, get as many opinions as you need to feel well informed, then go for it. Whatever you decide will be the right thing for you.... If any of our experiences can help - we'll be there...Have you looked at the June and July Mastectomy threads? There are a lot of fine girls on there, who have all been where we are now, it's heartening to read how well they are doing...

    Hugs

    Robin

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  • Anne068
    Anne068 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    NBB and Smurfie.... sending extra hugs and prayers your way!!!      

    Everyone else... I know I know. I've struggled as well, am I making the right choice with the BMX? the one side is a no-brainer. They have already done a lumpectomy, the margins are dirty, it's grade 3. But the left side? Well, theres a mass, they've poked, prodded, mammo, 2 ultrasounds, MRI,x-rays,  and said it's "most probably benign, but lets check in 4mos". I immediately said no, take it too.

    Now I'm wondering, after they take it and check it, what if it is benign? What if I just panicked and was hasty? Now I have NO boobs, and there was nothing wrong with it! But then, what if I don't,and it is, and it gets worse and spreads?  What if,, What if.. What if... "

    It it is sooo nerve-wracking. I really don't want any of this to be happening at all. It's not fair, and it doesn't make sense, and I want to stomp my feet and  hold my breath like a petulant 2 year old, and demand that God TAKE IT BACK!!!

     But we cant do that can we? So we must remain positive and stay the course. We will all be fine. We will beat it. We have to. There is simply no other option!!

    p.s. I really hate that we can only post 5x a day. And that includes "modifying" posts. I know I tried, I thought I could be clever and sneak more in, but apparently not! haha! Ya can't blame a girl for tryin!

    Anne

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Thanks girls for all the good luck, wishes and prayers.   And welcome new people!

    I had the dreaded Radioactive tracer shot today at 2:00p. Let me tell you about my day.  First I took a few ativans to calm my nerves.  Then I borrowed one of my sister"s "dilaudid' for pain management.  Then I put 4 % Lidocaine cream on my left boob and wrapped it in saran wrap.  (You can see I wasn't taking any chances.) Then I BEGGED the technician to give me a lidocaine shot (She agreed but said she couldn't put it right in with the solution).  I felt the lidocaine go in - a little stinging etc.  Then the tracer went it and it felt like my breast was on fire - maybe a 4 on the pain scale but it only lasted 5 seconds.

    Definitely not easy, but not as bad as I expected.   I hear everyone's experience is a little different.  

    I'll check in after the operation .  Smurfie Good luck .  See you on the other side!

    Nancy   

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010

    Finally got my date yesterday. August 31 bilateral mastectomy.
    left includes level I nodes
    right probably only the cential node unless they find something.
    Expanders in both right away unless there are some issues.

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    nbb and smurfie hugs and good thoughts for tomorrow.

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010

    nbb and smurfie, Big hugs to you both. You will be fine.

    Sunny, I decided to have a PBM due to having LCIS. I have never regreted my decision. I could have just removed the cyst that had the LCIS in it but, then what? For the rest of my life I would have to have testing every 6 mons, and maybe biopies and be on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs. The stress of that would have killed me. Having the PBM in the long run was easier I feel. Good luck with your decision.

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    sending good vibes to Nancy and Smurfie ...

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