Upcoming PBM - Getting nervous!

Hi, nwsuburbs!

I'm high-risk due to an atypical papilloma found in '06. I'm currently 34 years old with no family history, but I've also got the dense-breast-cystic-calcification-busy-boob stuff. Had an ultrasound needle biopsy on Tuesday for some more suspicious stuff they found on my breast MRI. Am hoping to get the results back tomorrow at the latest. Waiting is dumb!

I don't have any experience with BMX, but I just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. We sisters gotta stick together! And since you and I are both young, it feels like a unique bond, you know? I'm glad you'll be taking care of the ol' boobies, though! Keep us posted, okay?

Hugs galore,

Laura xoxo

Hello,



I know how nervous you are. I am planning on having a pbmx in a few weeks. I was hoping to hear from my bs today to finalize a surgery date.



I have a significant family history. My mom dx at 48 and died at 53. Her sister dx at 60 and passed away from aml. I have two maternal great aunts dx at 62 and in her late 50's. Neither aunt passed from bc. My paternal grandmother dx at 70 and died at 73. Her sister also dx at 70 and is in her 80's and is doing well.



I am negative for Brca 1/2. Had a fibrodenoma removed from breast at 18. I have been receiving mammos since I was 28. I am now 46. Since 40 I have had annual mri. This year my breast surgeon said because I have been stable for a long period of time with benign findings I will have my mri every other year.



At first, I was thrilled not to have an MRI this year. But as the time marches on the anxiety keeps building. As much as I worried about these test they have become a part of my routine. I realized after several years of testing and worrying I want to move ahead.



I share in your anxiety. It is a lonely place to be.



Always,



Elise. Aka pointvalue

Hi.  I had a lumpectomy 4/13, first sugery ever and no children at the age of 44.  Being a first surgery, it was easy.  From that point the pathology report indicated that there were no clear margins (two spots) and a MX was required.  I opted, after much debate, for BMX (right side optional). As my appointment approached for the BMX I, like you, was terribly anxious and had no idea of how to anticipate the outcome since I have never been in pain.  That surgery was 5/21, tomorrow will be five weeks and I'm doing great.  I went back to work after three weeks but honestly was bored at home the week prior and could have returned after two but felt it wise not to push myself to that degree. 

I approach cautiously because I don't want to heighten your anxiety.  Waking up was tough and I was in a lot of pain but still heavily medicated.  However, they soon whisked me to my room and hooked me up to my morphine pump.  From then on you're good.  My PS said one night was pushing it, most stay two, some even three.  I did so well I came home the day after surgery.

The drains are aggravating but bearable.  Mine did not come out for 10 days.  By then I was really ready to lose them.  They are hard to sleep with unless you sleep on your back.  I will tell you now that I would have taken pain meds for the appointment to remove them.  However, many people post that the removal of the drains didn't bother them at all.  It was painful but it's over so quickly and once they were out I was a new person! I do have the expander sitting on a nerve I believe, towards my back.  That was excruciating initally but has quickly gotten better and isn't something that most people would experience I believe.  

I am type one diabetic which added huge challenges.  Controlling blood sugar readings along with a fever I contracted (not incision related and we don't know what from) and an extra antibiotic given for the fever were honestly the worst part.  The antibiotic gave me a rash.  There isn't a lot of pain associated with the surgery itself.  Yes, the expanders are unfortable but I've found that wearing a sports bra helps.  That small amount of compression tricked my mind into not feeling the pressure of the expanders.  They have barely given me any trouble at all.  One more fill and I should be ready to start my waiting period for the exchange.   

Be encouraged.  The first week and a half is tough but not painful, just frustrating.  I really hope this helps.  The main thing I want you to take from it is that it was frustrating but not painful.  The doctors see to it that we aren't in pain.  If there is anything further I can talk through with you please let me know.  You will be in my prayers. 

Cindy