If you have just been diagnosed....

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  • Rose6
    Rose6 Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Thanks Debbie Lynn yes I have been taking vicodin, but had to cut it in half cos I was just too tired.I am gld you are not feeling too much pain..hugs to ya all

    mes I had a lumpectomy for IDC and no lymph node involvement. That was pretty crappy that they make you wait the whole weekend to see what can be don, you will probly have the same procedure as me. I will also have  radiation when I recover. I wish you all the best with this , let us know what the out come is!

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  • yeeping50
    yeeping50 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    Why don't you search for some advise from the Web. I know some of them is really good and help many people already. Check this up.

     http://curebreastcancer101.blogspot.com/

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited August 2010

    Hi Mary, been off line for a couple of days so I've just read your post.  Well.......no news is good news and this news could have been a whooole lot worse.  The bottom line is you now know what you are dealing with......and it's early!! which is a good thing.  Talk to your breast surgeon re bilat mas....you may not need to go that drastic.  It's hard to take in all that the diagnosis presents you with but because it is slow growing you have time to get as many opinions as you wish in order to make the right descision for yourself.  Remember, we are here to help any way we can.  Love n hugs. chrissyb

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  • travelgal
    travelgal Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2010

    I was diagnosed last week with IDC grade 1.  Still waiting to see what the hormone status is.  When the BS called me I was told I would have surgery "by the end of the month."  Then the BS nurse called me today and told me I have an appointment 9/2/10 with the Radiation Oncologist in the morning and Medical Oncologist in the afternoon.  I have a MRI scheduled for Thursday (8/19).  The nurse could not tell me if I would be having surgery before the 2 oncologist appointments.

    Right now I am confused.  Going to see a Radiation Oncologist and Medical Oncologist...is it to be assumed that I will have radiation and chemo?  Or is that normal procedure?

    Once my BS gets the MRI report (Monday or Tuesday) the nurse said she will discuss it all with me.  I guess confusion is part of it all at this point.  

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  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited August 2010

    Hi Travelgal--In my case--I met with both radiation and medical oncologist--I am having both chemo and radiation. Until you have your full results, you are in the dark. Once you have those results---it will be much more clear and your treatment plan will be put in place. You will feel a little lost right now but with more information.

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  • Hope777
    Hope777 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2010

    Hey Girls,  Today I figured out how to hide the dam drains we have to lug everywhere from our surgery.   I stuck them (2) in a camera bag and they sat nicely on the side on me.  You would never know I hide drains coming out of my body.  LOLOLOL

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  • travelgal
    travelgal Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2010

    Had an MRI yesterday.

    Hormone status came back ER+ PR- and still waiting for the HER results.

    Surgery probably next week. 

    I am anxious to get started and move forward.  Waiting isn't my thing lol.

    I love the fact that you (Hope 777) found a camera bag to lug around your drains.  Very cleaver!!!  Very positive!!! 

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  • DebbieLynn
    DebbieLynn Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2010

    Can anyone please give me an idea about how long will I be in need  of pain medication ? My sentinel node biopsy was on Thurs Aug 12th, today is the 20th. The pain is most severe at night and it is intermittent . I'm trying not to take too much i was given a Rx for 15 Tylenol # 3 and I have 3 left. I think I may need a refill,  Sending prayer your way........

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  • shavonaz30
    shavonaz30 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    my grandmother was just diagnosed with breast cancer in her left breast she has i think 3 lumps and the dr has taken 6long weeks and still hasnt seen her to discuse what to do and with in that 6weeks she has developed another lump in the left breast and now one in the right does any one know if that means it is spreading or going to spread to other organs and she is in her late 80's and doesnt want a masectomy does anyone know the prognoses of womean in that age group and doing the radiation or chemotherepy

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  • gutsy
    gutsy Member Posts: 391
    edited August 2010

    DebbieLynn,

     I had a snb and took pain medication for 1 or 2 days. I am wondering if the physician has checked your incisions to see if they are healing properly and that there is no infection. I know we are all different, but over a week seems to be somewhat long to still have severe pain. I do have pain sometimes when I have carried something I should not have, or just a very busy day. Take care of yourself, be pampered and know that you have the right to get things checked out. Hugs

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  • Rose6
    Rose6 Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Hi Debbie Lynn I had my lumpectomy on August 3rd and I am still taking pain meds, so I dont think that is unusual. I just cut back the dosage after 1st week. Hang in there.

        I just had my 2nd check up with breast surgeon, she said everything is healing well. Then she read me this crazy pathology report!. Well I thought all the cancer was gone with good margins, no node infection, which is true...but now there is some stuff about 10 -15% chance to spread...she said, its not high but not low . So now I am really confused and scared. She said all along I would NOT have to have chemo, I guess they have to give you worst case scenario, anyway i guess now there is some question about after radiation should I take hormones or what . Has anyone gone thru this?

    Love to all you brave warrior sistas, Lynda

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  • DebbieLynn
    DebbieLynn Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2010

    Thank you all, I saw the bs last Tues , he removed the sutures and placed new tape. Everything looked just the way it should . I resumed my normal activities pretty much the next day. I do ask for help if I feel I need it , and my mom has been here cooking and doing laundry. I see my bs on the 27th and can't wait for the full path report so I can finally get this ball rolling.

    Sending prayer your way

      

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  • buffy
    buffy Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2010

    Rose,  I am not sure what protocol is in CA but I know pretty much in CT that if you are ER + you will most likely be put on hormonal therapy.  Even if you have clear margins, I chose a double mastectomy, I still am on tamoxifen because I was premenopausal.  If you are post menopausal you might be put on femara or armidiex.  I would be curious to hear what they recommend.  good luck!

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  • tryn2staycalm
    tryn2staycalm Member Posts: 763
    edited August 2010

    Hi Sistas - I just had my SNB on Monday, Lumpectomy was a month ago.  I found the 2nd and 3 days after the SNB were the worst.  I take as little narcotics as possible but I found this surgery to be very painful.  I still find it quite painful but am using very little for pain now if any (5 days in).  I took 1 today so that I could go out for a few hours and not get too uncomfortable.  The nurse at the hospital when I had my SNB said we all have different pain tolerances and it depends on the depth etc of the surgery.  No word yet on the results ugh.. now waiting for a bone scan.  One thing after another.  Also I was told by my onco approx. 5 months of chemo, 5 weeks of radiation and then probably 5 years of hormonal therapy. 

    Cathy

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  • Jwatrlily
    Jwatrlily Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2010

    DebbieLynn,

    I am the same as you with pain.  Had my partial mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, 2 sentinel nodes taken both negative, on Aug. 9th and as of today, my pain is still bad.  I don't like to take to much pain meds either.  I am on Tramadol, 50 mg. every 4 hours as needed.  My pain under my arm is intense burning, stinging pain, not constant but comes and goes.  Nothing is swollen or red or hot anywhere under there.  Lots of tingly sensation when I lightly brush the underarm area with my other hand.  I see my breast surgeon Tuesday and I'll be glad to get some answers about this.  Lets hang in there together. 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2010

    shavonaz30 ~ So sorry to read about your grandmother's diagnosis.  I'm not sure what you mean by her doctor taking 6 weeks, but if she or your family is not happy with the situation, then she needs to find another doctor.  Depending on where you are in AZ, I would strongly suggest getting her to a large comprehensive cancer center, where they see the most patients, so would have the most experience and expertise treating someone your grandmother's age.  A couple that come to mind in AZ would be the University of AZ at Tucson, and the Mayo Clinic in North Scottsdale.

    I'm not a doctor, but I would think her prognosis and treatment plan might depend somewhat on her overall health.  If she's in excellent health except for the breast cancer, then it would be easier for her to undergo surgery (if recommended) and possibly radiation.  I doubt at her age that chemo would be recommended, but depending on the hormone status of her breast cancer, a hormonal drug (aromatese inhibitor) might be recommended. 

    But definitely encourage her or help her to find a compassionate breast surgeon who can give your family straight information and a reasonable treatment plan based on any pre-existing health problems she may have.  And please keep us posted on her situation.    Deanna 

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  • Rose6
    Rose6 Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Hi Buffy and thaks for the info, yes I was told at first to have the radiation and then they would put me on the hormone inhibitors...hope this si true iits a little confusing as to when to get an appt with the medical oncologist, becuase my surgeon doesnt do that. Anyway much love to all of you

       Cathy BTW, i had both lumpectomy and sentinalnode biopsy done on same day aug 3 and i am still in pain, cept somewhat less

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  • upbeat4sure
    upbeat4sure Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    Hello group,

     I am new to this board and to BC.I  can't believe how calm I have been through all this.I go for Mastectomy Aug.25,2010.I chose to wait a while because I felt I had some things I needed to get together..sorta re-group.I feel very confident I made the right choice.I have refused to let this get me down.I guess from the post I have been reading ,I am holding out for the worst  to come.I pray I can still be strong.I am no stranger to pain  for sure.I have family and friends to be there for me.I pray for everyone this has affected.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2010

    upbeat4sure ~ So glad you've found BCO!  What treatment or procedures, if any, have you had so far to determine that you're Stage IIIa?

    Be sure to look for the forum here for Stage III women (click on Forum Index above).  Also, look in the surgery forum for the thread for women having surgery in August.  I think you will find wonderful support in both of those areas.  Are you having reconstruction with your mastectomy?

    Good luck on Wednesday, and please let us know how it goes.  I will pray that you will remain calm, and that there will be only good news for you from here on out.    (((Hugs)))  Deanna

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  • Rose6
    Rose6 Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Thank you upbeat...for your courage and your great words of hope. I am sorry you have to be here on this board, but wow you will find a really warm, caring group of women that have been thru all kinds of stuff. I hope you can glean what you need from that. I just went thru a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy 2+ weeks ago. I have the next step which is to see the radiation oncologist this week.

    Hope to hear from you soon Lynda

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  • August
    August Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2010

    I have just been diagnosed with bc.  had been having some issues with right breast for 3 years, going to doctor, having mamo's & ultra sounds.  was told nothing wrong. it started feeling tender so my gyn sent me to a surgin, still saying it was nothing,  Was told by the surgon that everything looked really normal and she saw nothing that would make her think it was cancer.  It was cancer.  2.1 cm.  I am praying that the lumpectomy will get clear margins and the lymph are clear.  not sure when that surgery will be.  I have had a MRI and will be having a CT.  I am so scared.  Praying for all to be well.

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  • August
    August Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2010

    I have just been diagnosed with bc.  had been having some issues with right breast for 3 years, going to doctor, having mamo's & ultra sounds.  was told nothing wrong. it started feeling tender so my gyn sent me to a surgin, still saying it was nothing,  Was told by the surgon that everything looked really normal and she saw nothing that would make her think it was cancer.  It was cancer.  2.1 cm.  I am praying that the lumpectomy will get clear margins and the lymph are clear.  not sure when that surgery will be.  I have had a MRI and will be having a CT.  I am so scared.  Praying for all to be well.

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  • Rose6
    Rose6 Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Hi August, you came to the right place. I have been scared too, really scared It will be 3 weeks now that I had my lumpectomy, they got it all out and clear margins and no lymph node involvement...so thats good. Next step is radiation, then hpefully just hormone inhibitors. You will be allright. One day at a time. Keep your support system close, whoever that is. My church has been making meals and friends ddo a little cleaning, shopping.. People come visit and I gotr out for walks just days after surgery. I have even taken the bus! Watch a funny movie, call a friend, get lotsa rest and let people help you!

       Tell us when your surgery will be so we can be praying for you and if you want to talk anytime, just come here. Ill be here

    Lynda

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited August 2010

    August, welcome.  So sorry you need to be here but so glad you are.  You will find a lot of support and love on these boards and many answers to questions that you will have.  We are here for you no matter what.

    Love n hugs. chrissyb

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  • Hope777
    Hope777 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2010

    Hi Everyone,

     Ok, I got a choice between a PICC or PORT?  any feedback pls?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2010

    Hope, I don't know the answer to that one, although it seems like ports are far more common.  Why don't you post that as a new thread in the Chemotherapy section?  It's a good question and it would be interesting to see comments on it.  I also think you'll get much more input as a new question than you will on this thread, which is primarily read by new members.     Deanna

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited August 2010

    I'll give you my opinion. I have a port & my step-dad(lung cancer) had a picc. My port is under the skin, sewn in, don't even know it's there most of the time. My step-dads picc had a tube that was outside of the skin. Had to be covered up when showering and such. I'm glad I have a port rather than a picc. Just my opinion. Leisa

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  • Jwatrlily
    Jwatrlily Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2010

    Had my post-op check on Tuesday and all went well.  I love my Dr.  She is so special and gifted.  While there she had her secretary do the referrals for Oncology (Sept 7 consult) and Radiation, which I actually saw the next day!!  I liked him too.  He is a bit older I think but oh my gosh was he nice, comforting and so knowledgeable.  When we left my husband Lynn said, "That guy knows his stuff."  The staff there was a dream.  Dr. Wilkins said my prognosis was good (even by being a Triple Negative) based on the Stage I and Node negative of my cancer.  They are so kind and caring at that clinic.  I will probably have to have the chemo first and then radiation but I have some of the preliminary stuff done now with radiation.  I have to go back after the chemo is over and do the next stuff with radiation.  Dr. Wilkins said with my Triple Negative status, they were going to be giving me the "whole nine yards" and I will have 25 radiation treatments and 8 boosts for a total of 33 treatments.

    As for the swelling and pain under my arm, Dr. Mammolito said it is a seroma.  My Dad had one of those after he had an aortic aneurysm repair back in 2004.  His grew large and would have burst had his Dr. not done surgery on him in his hospital bed!!  Long story but it was something else how fast all that happened.  Anyway, Dr said she thinks my body will absorb that fluid and the seroma will go away on it's own.  If it doesn't, she will have to needle aspirate it.  Hope that doesn't happen.  I've had about enough of needles and am far from being done yet!!!!!

    So, since I don't see the Oncologist until Sept. 7, I will be able to hopefully enjoy Labor Day and all the celebrations around it.  A nearby little town has a big Labor Day celebration like a Fall Festival/County Fair deal and I plan on hopefully enjoying that since I will be starting chemo soon.

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  • peppopat
    peppopat Member Posts: 90
    edited August 2010

    Hi all!

     I was informed of my "death sentence"  on Aug 24.   I  have DCIS, grade 2, but  since the dx  was determined ONLY thru an ultrasound guided corebiopsy, who knows  how much deterioration  is really taking place her

     I first became aware that something was really wrong  when my right breast when  the nipple started spotting  and continued to do so for over a  month.  I went from the ER  to the PCP  to a breast surgeon  which took up a total time of  2 months.  The biopsy  results took another month.  My cancer is  due to taking Prempro way too long--10 years.  

     I refuse  to be mutilated. My plan  is to get get in a clinical  trail and take experimental meds and never mind surgery, for now.   It's my understanding that DCIS  can  go on for years without progression.  Give  me good  great to push the panic button  for unilateral mastectomy.   

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited August 2010
    Just because you have DCIS doesn't mean you have to have a mastectomy. You might want to get a second opinion. I know there are women on here who also have DCIS, and have NOT had to have a mastectomy. Just sayin...it's your body and you have the right to get a second opinion. Good luck..God bless...((((hugs))))...Leisa
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