surgery next week

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linda1957
linda1957 Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
surgery next week
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  • linda1957
    linda1957 Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2011

    Well, all the results are in. ... surgery schedualed next week...my heart is in my throat. Having a complete mas because the nipple is involved altho the cancer is 1.5 cm...low grade...stage l. Is this normal? MRI only showed what we know and possible 1 swollen node...estrogens are normal and proteins 0. Anyone just out of surgery for this one? I would like to know what questions to ask the surgeon and what kind of pain to expect, what will make my life easier, what kind of care will I need and how long (my grown children are trying to coordinate) any information would be great. Thanks...Linda

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited June 2011

    Hi there --

    I am newly diagnosed and just went for a 2nd opinion and liked my new BS. I will be having a Lumpectomy next Thursday, barring any issues with my MRI (scheduled for the end of this week or beginning of next).  I also have a 1.5cm tumor and supposedly classified as 'low grade'.

    I too would like to know what to expect after surgery. Are you having a Lumpectomy?

    Best to you Linda :o)

    ~Chrys

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited June 2011

    I had a lumpectomy in December and a bilateral mastectomy in January.  I can answer both questions!

    Lumpectomy and SNB:  I took pain pills for a few days.  It was tender and I avoided using that arm much for a while.  I was back to working out without use of my arm (elliptical without using arms) about 5 days after surgery.  I taught my first aerobics class again about 11 days after surgery.  I had tightness in my arm after the lumpectomy that lasted a few weeks. I continued so stretch it out at a comfortable pace and by the time I had my bilateral mx (a month after my lumpectomy) my arm tightness was pretty much gone.

    BLMX:  I was in hospital 2 nights because I was throwing up.  After getting home I slept with the wedge pillow and some extra pillows for several weeks.  I had immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders put in on the mastectomy day.  I had someone stay with me at home for at least a week as it was hard to do a lot for myself (I was not allowed to lift anything over 5 lbs for a month).  I did the rehab exercises I was given twice daily - they were painful but I wanted to get range of motion back.  I took pain pills for about 5 days and got drains out in 1 week after surgery.  I could bath myself after after a few days and I could wash my hair too.  I did have help the first few days.  I needed help with stripping the drains - I could not do that myself.  THose needed to be done twice a day.  Things that were hard to do were reaching far (reaching for plates/glasses in cabinets - could not do that for a while), lifting things.  People brought us meals for about 10 days after surgery - after that I cooked.  As far as what you need, look at the post about shopping list for surgery..I found that helpful.  Oh and one important thing...ask for stool softeners right after surgery!  I was horribly constipated after surgery and could not go for days even with stool softeners and laxitives.  Stock up and have some at home if you need them...take them until you go!  Trust me!!!! That was my worst part of the surgery - constipation!  It was horrid! Good luck and PM me if you have more questions.   

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