MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

1…626627629631632…1064

Comments

  • heartnsoul76
    heartnsoul76 Member Posts: 1,648
    edited February 2012

    Hi middies!  I meant to check in many times before, but life kept interrupting (nothing exciting, that's for sure). Initially, I thought maybe taking a break would get my mind off cancer, but actually it didn't work that way for me. Basically, I just ended up missing talking about it - it's like you have to get it off your chest :).  I wish I could go back and read everything you ladies have been up to, but I hope everyone has been doing well and up to mischievous things once in a while!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marlegal
    marlegal Member Posts: 2,264
    edited February 2012

    Lisa, it's sooo hard in the beginning, but soooo worth it. I smoked for 35 yrs before BC and I enjoyed it very much. I just couldn't face my hub and kids if I didn't quit though. What amazed me was how much better I felt within a matter of days. I thought I just got a lot of headaches...turns out I don't. I thought I was having heartburn so much because of aging. Turns out that wasn't it. It was weird how many symptoms I put down to other things that were really from smoking. I mean, we all know it, but to experience it firsthand was mind-blowing to me. Good luck hon.

    Janis, I agree about asking if your compression garments are covered. I had to read my entire insurance book from cover to cover because they denied it at first. But then I found it ... the paragraph that talked about mastectomies (I had a lumpectomy) where it said "...peripheral post care for mastectomy and side effects, including lymphedema ..." and when I called our employer's insurance rep and read it to her, citing page and paragraph, she agreed. It comes under my major med, so I pay 30% and they pay 70%. Since garments and bras and all compression aides should be retired after 6 mos to a year, that adds up and any help is good help.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited February 2012

    Hi, I am hoping someone can answer a question I have. In 2004 I had DCIS and LCIS and all they focused on was the DCIS and how treatable it was. They never really talked to me about the LCIS. Now that I have IDC in the other breast I have learned that I was at a high risk to get an invasive cancer based on the LCIS. Does the high risk pertain to breast cancer or any cancer once you have LCIS.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012

    I have a quick question for anyone that may have an answer of experience to share: I am 3 weeks post surgery (partial mast) I still have my drain. It's down to 60 ML in 24 hrs.. How much longer? I have an appt with my surgeon today. I was told by my surgeon that because I am a big girl 6'0" and over weight is the reason for the amount of drainage. Anyone have any input on time and amounts they expereinced

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marlegal
    marlegal Member Posts: 2,264
    edited February 2012

    Diana, I'm sorry but I don't have information on LCIS. Did you check the main page of BCO for links to LCIS topics on the boards? You might get some good info there.

    Lory, I had my drains several weeks too because I just kept creating fluid! When I got to a certain amount (sorry, but I forget what it was) I told my surgeon I was d.o.n.e and she agreed to remove! The stitch holding in the drain had come out anyway so it was time. Good luck hon .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marlegal
    marlegal Member Posts: 2,264
    edited February 2012

    Just realized Lory's post was the only one from today...sure hope everyone is okay.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise2730
    Denise2730 Member Posts: 648
    edited February 2012

    Lory - I thought when the drain output was 30 cc or less for 24 hours then it could come out.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2012

    My PS drain output rule was 20 cc or less for 24 hours.  I didn't like them but I didn't worry about trapped fluid.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012
    Thank you Ladies for the input. Just returned home from meeting with my surgeon, he said 1 more week and we will be trying something else. He mentioned pulling it out more, then cutting off the bulb and long tube and having it drain without suction onto a surgical pad...Frown  yikers.. it's either that or needle aspiration..thats an even bigger YIKES
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdavanti
    jdavanti Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2012

    Not sure how to start so here i go.   I am 51 and have BC...Just when I think things are great, this...I am scared... I will start chemo in two weeks.  I thought at this age I should be just going through just menopause...wrong.  I will have bi lateral mastectomy in August w/reconstrution.....I feel like i am in a crazy nightmare but after 2 lumpectomyws and still no clear margins I know its not.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited February 2012

    Wow jdavanti-why so long for your surgery?  BC is a nightmare!  But eventually you wake up and even tho the horror is still there, it does lessen, just like any other nightmare.  Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    jdavanti - I have the same question as Eph - why do you have to wait so long for surgery?  That is 6 months from now.  This damn disease is a nightmare - why stretch it out any longer than you absolutely need to.  Best of luck to you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited February 2012

    jdavanti, welcome!  I have several questions for you...Was your B/C invasive?  Do you mean IDC?  You list DCIS, but that is always Stage 0, and it is non-invasive.  If you had nodes taken out and are having chemo, you must have had something that was invasive.  Where was your tumor?  I take it they are trying to shrink it down before surgery.  If you say which chemo you will be on, I'm sure some of the ladies here will have had the same as you and can give you additional info. if you need it.

    Denise2730 & MinusTwo, thanks for coming on this thread & sharing the info. about drains. 

    heartnsoul76, missed you, welcome back.  I would encourage anyone to take a break from the boards when needed, but it is so good to know that it is here if you need to "talk."

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdavanti
    jdavanti Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2012

    Hi Elimar, back in Nov 2011 I had biopsy and it came back benign. I had 1st lumpectomy and the tissue came back with a 2cm tumor. They then did an MRI found two more spots on left breast and one of my lymph nodes was enlarged. Another biopsy....lymph node came back non cancer and then the two spots - one was another radial scar towards back of the breast area and a leasion towards bottom front. Breast surg did another lumpectomy and removed both spots and did sentinel lymph node. They removed 2 nodes and those came back no cancer. But she still has no clear margins. first lumpectomy was invasive second time it came back non invasive.  She wants to do a 3rd lumpectomy but i said no and just remove them.  I am waiting for the oncotype to come back but they said it would not come back at a low score and I should be prepared for chemo.  I went ahead and scheduled it...i am tired of waiting for all of these results.  i want this bc out of me.  so confusing.  thank you for listening to me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited February 2012

    Welcome jdavanti - Sounds like you have had quite a ride already. You will find great information, advice, support and encouragement here. Questions and venting, when needed, are encouraged. And good news is always welcomed.

    Hang in there - let us know how things proceed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited February 2012

    I am trying to make so many changes in life ... I am 3 days smoke free :) the non smoking support has been a blessing thanks for mentioning it to me ... I am praying for everyone here as we all need it . This I think is the most upsetting thing in my life . I am thinking about the lonliness I feel and experience each day . I think about a partner in life . I feel if I dont have anyone now will I ever ? especially after my PBMX .. although I will have immediate recon.. I tell you I feel like I compalin so much .. I guess this is a lot of changes for me in the last year .. I wish everyone to have a beautiful day :) HUGS 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited February 2012

    jdavanti, thanks, I can understand better now that you threw in some more details.  Sounds like you have gotten pretty carved up already, and I can see how you decided on BiMx.  Your tagline should say IDC, because that is the "more serious" of the two.  A lot of women have DCIS in addition to their IDC.  I had a small amount, like 5%, so one lumpectomy was all I needed.  DCIS is like "pre-cancer," or highly abnormal cells that have just not yet started to invade.  Most women don't want to give it a chance to invade, so if they have extensive DCIS, a lot do choose the BiMx.

    There is something I still do not understand.  You say your invasive tumor was removed; then they took out a radial scar and the DCIS.  If the margins were clear on the first lumpectomy, and the nodes ended up being clear, why are they wanting the chemo if they will be doing BiMx?  Chemo is not used for DCIS.  Are you talking about just one breast, or are you talking about one surgery per breast so far?  Do you have the pathology reports?  Did your first (IDC) tumor indicate lymphovascular invasion?

    I also am not sure why they didn't give you MRI before the first surgery?  If they had, you might have been spared the second surgery and maybe the third also.  You could have made a better decision early on.  Just hearing your story, I am confused.  If you are also confused, then I really recommend a second opinion because you need a doc who can explain better.  I would want to know exactly why I was getting each treatment.

    The Oncotype results are a tool to find out how much benefit you would get from doing chemo.  It is usually used for cancers smaller than 2 cm, ER+, with no (or limited) node involvement.  I'm not even sure why you have received this test, with your tumor being larger AND they seem to have chemo [planned for you already.  It's an expensive test to do just for the heck of it.  

    You are very new and I want to help.  What you have written DOES seem confusing, and makes your doc seem to be doing things in a weird order, or at least the way you are explaining it doesn't quite add up, in which case you probably don't have a great understanding.  I'm not saying that is any fault of yours, but i am saying you need a doc who can help you to understand better.  Again, I suggest a second opinion before the chemo and the BiMx.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited February 2012

    Sorry, wrong thread.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited February 2012
    lisamarie68, You go, girl!  It's no secret that I wish everyone would put down the cigarettes.  My mom had lung cancer, and that gives you much less of a fighting chance than you even get with B/C.  In a few short weeks you will thank yourself that you don't have to cough up phlegm in the morning.  Take your cigarette money and use it at a salon to pamper yourself.  Finally, although the "Stop Smoking Support" thread is very fabulous here, why not join one in real life.  Never know who you might meet, but it won't be a smoker.  Could be a match made in smokeless heaven.  Just sayin'.  I'm a matchmaker from way back.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2012

    CONGRATS lisamarie!!!! 3 days smokeless is HUGE!!!!

    Lory, don't be afraid of needle aspiration as the area is probably still numb from surgery. I had it and couldn't even tell they had a needle in me, but got GREAT relief from the ease of pressure. Don't be in a hurry to get rid of the drains, they are doing you a huge favour. At one point, though, the time does turn and then they become an infection liability.

    elimar, it's rads that those of us with mastectomies get to avoid. Chemo is often still in the works.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited February 2012

    Lory hate to hear you still have the drains.  Hopefully you will wake up tomorrow with less fluid and they can miraculously come out. 

    jdavanti welcome to the middies.  These ladies are great here.

    So I am having a bit of a pitty party today.  After three lumpectomies and rads my breast are a mess and lopsided.  Went to put on a shirt and it hangs so funny on me.  DH was trying to make me feel better.  This shirt was exaggerated by the fact that my rads boob is now much higher than my other.  Oh well one month away from MBX with reconstruction so I guess my PS can fix me up then.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2012

    keep up the good work with the not smoking, LisaMarie!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited February 2012

    Thanks but as the hours go bye it seems to be harder ... ugh ..lol well I am just gonna deal with it 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited February 2012

    Lisamarie-did you quit cold turkey? I tried that last week and it didn't work out so well. It's great that you have quit.

    Waiting today for the results of biopsy #2 which was done last Thursday. The waiting stinks. I just want to schedule whatever surgery is needed and move on.

    Has anyone had reconstruction on a radiated breast. It has been over 7 yrs and the 1st ps said there was nothing that they can do. My appt. with a new ps in Thursday, but we are supposed to get a foot of snow that day so it will be postponed again Yell.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited February 2012

    Dianarose it can be done just keep talking to PS's until you find one that says they can do it.  I finished radiation a year ago and will be having BMX with TE's on March 26th.  My PS is also going to be using fat grafting which is really suppose to soften up the radiated tissue.  If you have not talked to Whippetmom she is a wealth of information regarding reconstruction.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited February 2012

    Thanks Sherry, why don't they tell you, yes it can be done I just don't do it. It's hard to trust any of them. She didn't even do direct implants. Only TE. They really need to all be up to date with their training. Is your BMX because of recurrance or peace of mind? Also is the fat grafting going to be with lipo or needle? I have read where some withdraw fat with a needle and it seems less invasive.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Dianarose - Just like I was never told I could have recon after a lumpectomy.  I talked to my BS and he gave me a referral to a PS who said absolutely his could fix my deformed boob.  I finished rads Dec 2010 and the PS said my breast looked good after treatment.  I am going to have a LD flap done sometime in late April.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited February 2012

    Dianarose.  My BMX is more for peace of mind.  My BS in the beginning did not tell me that if I had a MX I would not have to do radiation.  I was pissed when I found that out almost done with rads.  Anyway I had problems from rads.  I am just now starting to feel better from it and I finished over a year ago.  Since then I had to have another lumpectomy on my so called good breast for a B9 tumor that they found.  After that I said I'm done not going to have lumpectomies every year. Although with my close followups (for life) my MO did say that he was glad that I made this decision that he thought it was the best one but was trying not to sway me, he tried to educate me but wanted me to make the decision.  Took me three PS's before I found the one I wanted to use.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited February 2012

    Jo1955- I think NY is the only state that has a law that doctors have to tell patients all of their options regardless if they do them or not. Once I get through round 2 of this crap it is my goal to make changes starting with my own state of Maine.

    How did you do with the tamox? I just read that you did your 5 yrs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited February 2012

    Diana rose wish i could help you about the recon after radiation but I have no clue , I am going to do PBMX immed recon in april just have no dates yet  meet with the PS on march 6th and BS on march 7th .. 

     As far as the smoking thing I am using the nicotine patch ... lots of headaches and eating .. but 3 days now .. and I guess I can use some pounds im 5 foot and 96 lbs ... lol :)

    I do also know about the damm wait for results it about kills me everytime .. I hate that part more than anything .. HUGS and Prayers to u 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories