Calling All with Tumors 6 cm +

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    At least, thank the Lord, my surgeon said there was no reason for me not to do therapeutic massage before surgery.  All the stress and worry has really done a number on my back, shoulders and neck!  And the therapist is such a good listener.

  • Iz_and_Lys_Mum
    Iz_and_Lys_Mum Member Posts: 126
    edited March 2012

    Hi Ingido,



    I did have quite a lot of pain (thankfully, because thats what kept reminding me to keep going back to the doctors). In fact when I had my first mammo, it only hurt because the lump was being squished. I hear what you are saying about the hormone thing too, my 'good' breast has lots of pain within my cycle.



    Keep being brave lovely, you're doing great :-) xxx

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Yes, me too being squished. The tech kept apologizing to me because they kept taking more views. Thanks, I know I can do this because of people like you! Hugs from across the pond!

  • goforhope2011
    goforhope2011 Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2012

    Hi Indigo, the first time I didn't feel anything.  I was really shocked when I found out about the large nodule in my left breast.  The second time, I had a feeling it was back as the new nodule, again large, was rubbing up against my scar from the old incision.  The bra was uncomfortable and I would have a 'pinch' or stab feeling every now and then.  And, at night it was sore after I removed my bra.

    I am now having a 'stab' feeling in the right one.  Am having my tests next month--we'll see.

    Hi lago, Thank you for the info.  I am going to have a good chat with my ONC next month and see what we can do, if anything.  If this BC is in my right breast, then I'll not have to worry about recon.  Appreciate your research and kind words.

    All the best to you all, Hope

  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2012

    Indigo, I was in pretty good shape when DXed. When I started chemo, the secretary was reading off my blood counts to the onc, and I quipped that except for the cancer I seemed to be in excellent health. My sweet onc checked the notes and said that even the cancer was excellent if I had to have cancer (she meant that it was ER+ and therefore easier to treat).

    I continued to take very long walks all through chemo, although I did have to slow down by the time I was going through treatments # 7 and 8. Before the BMX, when I was doing neo-adjuvant chemo, I would also take my two dogs out for a long walk very early in the morning (before there was too much sun out). It definitely helped me feel human and "normal" and probably helped with healing as well. 

    I was just in the hospital for an additional surgery, 12 weeks PFC, and because of all the chemo the cardiologist who did the pre-op check was extremely thorough. When I told him how much I walk he almost cried for joy, and he said that I may be dealing with a nasty cancer, but at least my heart is in great shape.

  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2012

    Goforhope, I have my DX info in the tag line to help others as they helped me. It gives context to what people are posting. I am stage 3. If, for example, someone posts that she is all hopeful and has put the cancer behind her, it makes a difference to me whether that poster had stage 0 or stage 3.

  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2012

    Indigo, yes, I had some pain and it turned out to be from inflammation around the giant tumor. I had not really thought about it because I always used to have tender, painful breasts. Once I realized there was a tumor there, I also realized that the pain was slightly different from the usual pain.

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Hmmm!  Well, I guess the light is on at the end of that (hormonal pain) tunnel.  They called me this a.m. and my BMX is scheduled for 3/30.  I am taking all the walks I can between now and then!  LOL, so far I look like I'm in perfect health except for the big C too (and I have the estrogen positive receptors too).  Not sure what that means since I'm having BMX, but I'm sure I'll find out.

    Hugs to all!!

  • goforhope2011
    goforhope2011 Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2012

    Hi Momine, I have my results, but they don't say what "path" I'm on or what "stage" I'm at.  Sorry, if I could share, I would.  It just says, breast cancer, cut out, punto. So, sorry for no 'contenuity'!

    Glad all of those who can exercise by walking - are able to.  I had an injury in my right foot. Had an accident a few years ago where I broke my foot into pieces, now held together by a metal plate and 6 screws.

    So, get out an walk for me!! I'll cheer you on.   And, please loose some weight for me, got about 10 lbs that need to come off-lol,

    Hugs,

    Hope

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Hi all, so I just found out yesterday that my surgery is - tomorrow!  Fortunately my planning wasn't so airtight that I couldn't change anything and my sis is coming out Thursday evening for a few days.  So - less than 12 hours now to go....

    Thanks for all of the support, prayers and well wishes!   I'll be back on line as soon as I'm able.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2012

    Good luck IndigoMont. Best to get it over with. Less time to stress about it. Be sure to take pictures tonight. You may think you don't want them but you may change your mind later… and then it will be too late. You can always toss them if you don't want them.

    I'm glad I took a photo the night before surgery.

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Yep hubby is doing the honors shortly.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2012

    Much love to you. You'll do great. It will be over and a memory in no time.

    We are all sending good thoughts your way today.

  • cdairth
    cdairth Member Posts: 176
    edited March 2012

    Good Luck IndigoMont11. I found the surgery the easiest part of all my treatments. I hope this will be true for you as well.

  • goforhope2011
    goforhope2011 Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2012

    Good luck IndigoMont11--thoughts and prayers for you!

    Hope

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Thanks eveuryone! Surgery went well and I was discharged today. So far doing okay with the drains. Hubby and sons are helping with them. They did do an axillary lymph node dissection on the left side and that is the most sore.

    I was a little nervous but I kept remembering that you were with me. And I could feel prayer all around me.

    I haven' t had a ton of drianage either so i'm hoping the drains can come out before long.

  • goforhope2011
    goforhope2011 Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2012

    Hi Indigo! Great to hear you are doing ok!   Hang in there! Laughing

    Cheers, Hope

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2012

    Welcome to the otherside Indigo. My drains came out in a week. Would have been sooner but my PS doesn't work on the weekends. Some of us are lucky and get them out sooner rather than later. I had 2 drains, one for each side.

  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 919
    edited March 2012

    So glad your syrgery went well..Hope your drains come out soon.. Mine was in for 22 days yuck.. It was still draining about 30cc.. PS decided it had been in long enough

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    They also just called with the path report.  This whole business has moved at warp speed!  Anyway, they found a total of 3 tumors.  Two were smaller than 3 mm, and the largest one they are saying now was 5.2 cm.  They also said that there were 4 positive nodes... But otherwise, all margins were clear and there was no skin or chest wall involvement.

    I see the oncologist on 4/4.  Pretty sure chemo will be next!

    Hugs to all - your support helps so much.

  • Fytnlykeagirl
    Fytnlykeagirl Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2012

    My tumor area on my report says 7x9x11.  So I'm assuming it means the total area as it mentions multi-focal as well.  I am choosing a double mastectomy. My first taxol treatment is scheduled for 3/29.

  • BouncingBetties
    BouncingBetties Member Posts: 379
    edited March 2012

    My primary tumour was 6 cm, but had metastacized to my lungs, bones, and liver, so I had chemo only (Taxol) and no surgery. I'm on Tamoxifen and have a monthly Zoladex implant to shut down my ovaries. I was diagnosed on July 12, had a breast biopsy on July 13 and was in chemo on August 5, 2011. So I know about warp speed indigomont11. Fytnlykeagirl, I did 18 weekly treatments of Taxol and my tumours responded well, especially the first three rounds. I'm stable right now and hoping to find that my April 17 scan shows me dancing with NED ; ) Your first Taxol treatment is on my birthday but I just have to stop by my cancer centre for my fresh Zoladex implant. Quite the way to celebrate, huh? You'll do just fine. There's a board for those of us who've been on Taxol, in case you need some info and advice.

  • J-Bug
    J-Bug Member Posts: 626
    edited March 2012

    I passed my PET scan and my port comes out tomorrow!!!!!!

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Woohoo ladies!  So glad for your news - as I wait to see what the oncologist's plan is, you give me hope and inspiration.

    It's been one week today since my BMX.  I've been reading with interest the posts on post- mastectomy pain syndrome and realizing that I might be dealing with the tight feeling (like there's a rope tied around my chest) for awhile.  At least they did take out one of my 3 drains yesterday! The other two are still draining about 35 - 40 ccs a day, but I'm hoping for continued improvement by my appointment with the surgeon next Tuesday.

    Hugs to all!  Indigo

     

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2012
    IndigoMont you will feel discomfort for a while. Don't assume this will be permanent. It takes while for the nerves to repair (if they do). I can't say exactly when because of exchange surgery within the year but usually you have to give it about a year. To be honest my discomfort in the breast areas wasn't bad. The node area is where most of my discomfort came from.
  • Iz_and_Lys_Mum
    Iz_and_Lys_Mum Member Posts: 126
    edited March 2012

    Great news j-bug! Xxx

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    You are right the worst is my left armpit. As numb as it is, I' m surprised that there is also such a sore feeling. I also had some issues with nerve pain from my bunionectomy and I am noticing improvement since I had the surgery in Dec 2011, so I will keep trying to be patient. Drainage is waaay down so I'm debating whether to go in before my appointment next Tuesday. I've been lying around a lot the last couple of days; hoping the drainage stays low if I take a walk.

  • twistedsteel
    twistedsteel Member Posts: 156
    edited April 2012

    Hey! Any of you big tumor girls out there? What's going on? I have my 1st post dx mammogram on my remaining breast tomorrow. I feel like this is a milestone of sorts. My dx date was April 25th so that will be a milestone too.



    I am on Xeloda right now. And anastrozole which I forget is a kind of chemotherapy too. I am achy and sore all the time. I went to Disneyland last week and chose to walk the 1st day but was so exhausted that from them on I used a wheelchair so I could stay with my teenagers most of the time. The wheelchair was a weird experience for me. For many reasons. In the end I was glad I didn't stay stubborn refusing to be helped w the chair.



    TS

  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited April 2012

    I also want to keep this thread going.  TS, what is Xeloda for?  I am almost two years out.  Most days, I feel good.  I'm trying to lose weight and exercise daily.  Exercise seems to be the best thing I can do for aches, pains and stiffness from AI's.

  • J-Bug
    J-Bug Member Posts: 626
    edited April 2012

    Hi ladies! I have been busy getting into a more than full-time contract work schedule again after the small lull I had from mastectomy. I am also doing a lot of interviews for permament placement.

    I am still so achy and sore when I wake up and when I get up from sitting if it has been an hour or more, etc. I am supposed to start Tamoxifen whenever that darn script arrives in the mail. I kind of dread that with all the achiness I already have. I hear you TS on the wheelchair. I started using a cane during chemo because the joint pain was so extreme I could barely walk. But I never wanted anyone to see me use it. I never did use it in the work place. It was too humiliating to be so young and feel that un-able.

    My big milestone was that I got my port out the Friday before last. That feels so good to have that gone!!

    I agree on the exercise Elizabeth. We recently had a puppy given to us and I run laps around the "garden" every time I take him out, and yet I still keep gaining weight!

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