Lumpectomy scheduled for Feb 11...I'm getting nervous!

Dear Swissmiss,  Welcome, I know this is not the best of circumstances for you  There is much support to be found here from all of these lovely ladies.  Waiting, and dealing with the unknown is difficult and of course ( your main concern) there are the "what if's" while we wait.  While, there is probably not much to make you feel assured until the final results are in, know that whatever "it is", already is, and out of your control.  Try and take comfort in knowing that whatever will be, will be and that you WILL be able to handle it.  Sending best wishes and hugs!!

Swissmiss, sorry you're going through this. And I agree with others--it's best to take things one day at a time. FWIW, I'm not sure your friend is right that tumors "often are much larger" than estimated from the screening tests. I'm no expert, but based on comments here and among BC patients I know, sometimes some tumors are somewhat larger. Guess what? Sometimes they are smaller too. In my case, the final path report showed the tumor was smaller and a lower grade than estimated from the screening tests and biopsy. I think my case is unusual, but it can happen.

You've already been through a lot, with the initial Dx, and extra screening tests (MRI and BRCA.) That's a lot of waiting for results in a short amount of time. Whew! No wonder your nerves are shot. Your surgery is next week and it may take another week to get the final path report.  So you'll know more in two weeks. It's easier said than done, but one option is to use the next two weeks to be present in each day. Enjoy time with your hubby and three wonderful kids. If you can, why not pamper yourself for all you've been through? What can you do to take care of yourself? What brings you joy? Even little things can be nice, like a walk in nature, or a bubble bath every day.  I also like the idea of doing things now to make your post-surgery time easier. Maybe buy a new pair of PJs. Treat yourself to a novel or two to read while you're recovering. Also, I found it never got easier while waiting for test results so maybe you can plan some "distraction therapy" on the days before you hear the results--go out to a movie or do other fun things that might take your mind off the endless wondering.

You can do this. I'll be thinking of you on Feb 11. It happens to be 3 years from the date I was diagnosed. I remember a lot of what you are feeling. I'll send you good vibes for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. (((hugs)))

Sorry I forgot to add - cant believe I did....I also had 33 RADS treatments instead of chemo. They were a piece of cake. Bit burning and fatigue - that's it...diane

Swissmiss

I just had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I am IDC 1.3 mm stage1, type 2 located at 11 o'clock.  Yesterday was my surgery.  The best advise I can give you is to just take one step at a time, and breathe.  My MRI showed no node involvement before surgery, and my surgeon suggested that I probably won't need chemo, only some pinpointed radiation.  I had my tumor removed yesterday and three lymph nodes under the arm.  My scars are minimal.  The lumpectomy scar is at the edge of the nipple line and follows the shape of the nipple 1-1/2" long.  The armpit scar is in the fold and is only about 2" long.  Everyone is different so don't take your friends story to heart.  It's just like when you go on vacation somewhere and if someone had a bad experience there they are surely gonna tell you about it. You never hear the good stories.  My pain is minimal, no swelling and I can use my arm (course if I over do it, I know).  Reports come back next week.  Don't know what they are going to say, but one step at a time.  Glad the surgery is behind me, and now onto the next....step.

Good luck-your bc friends are here to answer your questions.  Learn much, read and stay informed so you can guide your own path. Your surgeon will help guide you along the way. Let us know how it goes.

Hi Swiss Miss,

I had a lumpectomy rt br and Sentinel node excision plus one on Jan. 10. The day of surgery I had  dye inserted, then the clip wire, then surgery, arrived at hospital @7:45 am and home in my bed at 5 pm,  Had little pain after, just soreness and tightness, only had to take a total of 2.5 percocet for one day.  I found the waiting was worse than the surgery . I received my bx. results within 7 days. Had  Grade I, stage I , 0.4mm lobular, tubular cancer with neg. nodes. her2Neg, ER+/PR+ , clean margins.  Prior to surgery I was told my tumor was 0.4x0.3 mm, after surgery it was 0.6mm. 

 I am over 65 and new criteria since this past December states no radiation needed for my age group with the above results . Apparently there was little difference in recurrence with those that did have radiation vs those that did not. I only need to take arimidex(anastrozole) for 5 yrs. I did not have oncotype dx done as both surgeon and medical oncologist felt it was not necessary. I am comfortable with that. I am a retired nurse and have done much research. I highly recommend doing so if not already done. This site is excellent in answering many questions. Be sure to send for or download the Pathology info for questions for your doctor. 

 I am finally feeling like myself after 3.5 wks. I think I was just mentally exhausted with all the anxiety prior to surgery and waiting for results. My incisions are well healed and I was outdoors shoveling snow yesterday, not for very long though. I am doing my excersizes, be sure to ask your doctor what activity you should be doing after surgery. 

Remember , also, we are all unique and will have unique results . Your friend had hers and you will have your own. Good luck with all. Let us know how you do.