August 2014 Surgery

Options
1…1011131516…46

Comments

  • diva77
    diva77 Member Posts: 88
    edited August 2014

    Hi August  Sisters! 

    I had my drain removed yesterday and  tonight there seems to be some swelling and it feels fluid like. Have others experienced this? 

    Genny, I am sorry to read your news on your nodes. Please remain strong and know I am thinking of you.

    To Allydp, Violet and Annemo, you ladies will rock it Monday!Check in and update us when you can.

    Wishing you all a peaceful evening!



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2014

    august 21, 2014 Mastectomy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2014

    hello Ladies. I found a lump in my right breast beginning of April and went to my doctor. I thought it was a small lump but it is large. Since then I have had mammogram, ultrasound, MRI two core biopsies,  1 surgical biopsy and beginning of August got results that I have dcis. sigh. I have decided to have a mastectomy. My surgery is August 21, 2014.

    Thank you for all the information that you have been giving this newbie.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2014

    Welcome quiltlibrarian, glad you found us but sorry you are here.

    We hope yours and others procedures all go well.

    The mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Quilt-  So sorry for your dx but glad you found this board. You will find lots of support and answers to questions so ask away.  For awhile it feels overwhelming because you are trying to process so much. Once you get a date, things seem to settle. I also had DCIS but there was no lump, no nothing...found in my routine mammogram. For me, I decided to have both removed so my recovery and journey are a bit different but there are so many that are on the same path as you. You will do great!!  Know we are here for you!

    Ally

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Iwannacookie
    Iwannacookie Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2014

    Wow Susan--you do look great and so peaceful; better than I look on a normal day, lol.  I took a good blackmail selfie when I regained consciousness from my last surgery (simple hernia repair complicated by a severe reaction to anesthesia); I would share it here but I'm too embarrassed to look at it again myself.

    Until a few days ago I was nearly convinced that the size and grade of my tumor meant that I could put this behind me swiftly, but the closer my surgery date gets, the more I'm worrying about the possibility of node involvement.  The variations in Dx are astounding to me.  Still, it's so reassuring to hear about everyone's recovery.  It sucks to have to wait until the end of the month for surgery--all the anticipation, and feeling like life is on hold, but those of us going in at the end of August can certainly be comforted by those of you who have gone earlier.

    Bobo--your joke about doing a calendar is hysterical--the "breast cancer cheesecake calendar", featuring zero cleavage.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2014

    Had an appt yesterday with my genetic/MO.  She's in the same office with my BS and it's a small office.  Well the appt was to go over the BRCA2 results, which I already knew returned positive.  I decided I needed to ask her some additional questions about likelihood of chemo/SNB, hormone therapy, etc.  She goes and gets a copy of my path report and I learn that my initial HER2 which was negative had been sent for the fish test and returned equivocal.  What the heck?!!  And the report had been sitting there since July 24th.  And.... I had an appt with the BS last week!!  I was in such a good and peaceful place but now I am freaking the heck out.  

    Has anyone else had this happen?  The final determination will of course be the path on the actual tumor after surgery but what are the odds it reverts to negative.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Sunny, my HER2 results were also equivocal. It stinks to be teeter tottering.  The waiting game along this journey is the most difficult part.  In the end, my final path report after the dmx came back negative.  Hang in there and try to stay positive.  I'm sending you some positive vibes as I'm typing this.  

    Susan


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Sunny, sorry you don't have a clear answer yet.  That time between diagnosis and surgery, and waiting for all the test results, is hard.  At least it was the hardest for me.

    Iwannacookie, the same to you.  I hated waiting for the surgery to happen.

    Quiltlibrarian, I'm really sorry you are here.  Read as much as you can so you can be knowledgable in your decisions.  None of us expected to get a crash course in breast cancer but it is what it is.  There are a few threads on these boards about lumpectomy vs mastectomy, unilateral mastectomy vs bilateral mastectomy, etc.  I wish you the best.

    Genny, I'm really sorry about your path report.  Have you talked to your doctors about what the next steps are?

    Diva, is your body absorbing that extra fluid?  You may want to put a call in to your PS or surgeon.  Some women need to have fluid drained with a needle.

    Best wishes to Allydp, Violet, and Annemo who are up on Monday, and Angelfaith on Tuesday.  You'll do great!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gramof2boys
    Gramof2boys Member Posts: 194
    edited August 2014

    My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, I will go for my preop on Tuesday. It will be a long day, CT scan, PT appointment, meet with PS to get markings drawn. It's coming so quickly and I am getting anxious about the whole ordeal. Good luck everyone who has surgery scheduled or are already recovering!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited August 2014

    Thinking of you, Gram of 2, and of our Monday sisters.  I feel like I am being nervous for you this weekend!  The calendar will not be a cheesecake one -- it will be a 'we are so beautiful even though we just got out of surgery' one, featuring Julie and Susan so far!

    Believe it or not... I am now scheduled for my next surgery.  Does this mean I have to be on a whole other October 2014 sx thread?  That will suck.  October 16th.  It feels like I'm ramping up for sx all over again, and I'm still recovering. **not very happy**

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sassy_Seven
    Sassy_Seven Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2014

    Genny, thinking about you and hoping your MO can give you more answers and some peace of mind. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sassy_Seven
    Sassy_Seven Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2014

    Good luck to all the ladies up for sx this coming week. Thinking about you all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lipglossmommie
    Lipglossmommie Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2014

    Aug 27th Diep flap and bilateral mastectomy 

    Sunny- I see we are having surgery the same day. I'll be holding your hand! Xoxo 

    We got this!

    I forgot to add, I'm 43, have a two yr old and a 7 month old, I skipped my last mammo because I was pregnant. Had scheduled a mammo in July due to my left Brest hurting, turns out, they found 1cm dcis in my right breast, left breast is fine. Had MRI after meeting bs and dcis is actually 6 cm. ugh....

    I hope I can manage my babies six weeks after diep surgery. I'll be alone then. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SueEllenWisconsin
    SueEllenWisconsin Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2014

    Myers 421. how are you doing?  I was thinking of you on August 8 and pray you are dodging better each day.  Take care of yourself.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2014

    I have question for the group. Did any of you have antibiotics when you went home after surgery? I know that a hour before my 2 cm biopsy I was given IV antibiotics, I will be getting them again for my mastectomy. I did get a infection after my biopsy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2014

    Susan, thank you so much for the reply. I feel like there is a chance for a neg revert now. Sigh. Maybe I will actually sleep tonight. 

    Juliecc, I am learning a whole new level of patience. It's crazy. 

    Lipglossmommie, holding your hand as well on our surgery date and praying for your quick recovery. My babies are 23 and will be more like nurses than babies. Hugs to you. I'm so sorry you will be alone so soon. Stay strong. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited August 2014

    lipgloss mommie, you will not be alone because I will also be there holding your hand.  Mine were two and two and a half when I had my first surgery.  Let us know how we can help.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Lipgloss-  I read on one of the threads a few months ago about someone in a similar situation. Her advice was to ask friends to help...get a clipboard and start making a list of things you need help with. People really do want to help and they just don't know what would really be helpful. Know we are with you!!

    Quilt-  I was given a week supply of ciprofloxacin (twice a day for 7 days) both times I had surgery. 

    Allydp, Vilolet and Anemo-  best wishes for a restful day!!  Know we are with you tomorrow!!

    Ally

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Quiltlibrarian, for both surgeries, my PS gave me Keflex to take after surgery.  For the BMX, I think I took it the full 10 days.  For my exchange, my PS said I didn't have to take it anymore 5 days after at my post op.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • diva77
    diva77 Member Posts: 88
    edited August 2014

    Allydp, violet and annemo, wishing you a peacuful day and a restful night. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. 

    I am feeling very sore today so I am goung to use my  ice packs and chill today.

    Wishing all the August Sisters a good Sunday! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ganzgirl2010
    ganzgirl2010 Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014

    Allydp...Im with you when you say the nerves are setting in ! Good luck tomorrow, you will do great :)      Im trying to keep my mind occupied but had a few break downs this weekend...3 more days till my surg and Im getting mored scared by the minute. I don't think this is a pimple...Ive been putting stuff on it since Thursday and its still there...


     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryland
    maryland Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2014

    Hi ladies, I'm feeling much better since my last post, much more comfortable. I'm also beginning to adjust to my dx. I have decided to switch MO's. I really had decided to do it midway thru chemo but figured I'd wait till I was done and go for my follow-up and then look. Well since it's obvious I'll need more treatment of some sort (probably aromatase inhibitors) I decided to do it now. I have an appt for the 26th with the new MO, sure hope I connect with this one. I love my BS and PS but my MO is cold as a fish. I'm pretty certain that if I were sitting in front of her right now she'd have no idea who I was. She always seemed to come into the room reading my chart like she was trying to figure out who I was and why I was there. And her office staff the same way, not one of them ever acted like they had ever seen me before each time I came. And I went thru 4 months of chemo there! Hoping to get my last 2 drains out tomorrow, it'll depend how much they put out today. My biggest problem at the moment is trying to sit here and do nothing... I'm just not used to this, but I get scolded by my mother hen husband when I try to help around the house! He has been a real sweetie thru all of this, he went golfing early yesterday and today and I even woke up to a thermos of coffee next to my recliner both days. So enough about me..

    Thinking of you Ally, Violet, Angelfaith and Annemo, I'm sure the nerves are starting to really kick in, you're all in my prayers. I have to say, for me the anticipation and the fear beforehand were much more difficult than the surgery and the aftermath. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The pain has been minimal and my range of motion is much better than I anticipated. Hopefully you'll all find that to be true with you. 

    Sassyseven, congrats on being done with surgery, pathology sounds encouraging, if negative does that mean no chemo for you?

    Anyway, gotta go, just wanted to say....Good luck girls!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ganzgirl2010
    ganzgirl2010 Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014


    Glad your doing ok genny !

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Genny, I think you are making the right decision to change MOs if you aren't connecting with your original one.  I also changed to a different onc than the one I started with.  I'm sorry you have more treatment ahead of you.

    Best wishes to all of you heading into surgery next week!  Try not to be nervous.  You fall asleep and wake up in a split second.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Hello beautiful surgery sisters.  I hope everyone that has already gone through surgery this month is resting and on the mend.  One day at a time. It does get better.  

    Allydp (our gracious hostess), Violet and Annemo, you are up next and are going to do great!  I hope you are all having a peaceful day.  Julie is spot on when saying that it seems you fall asleep and then back again in a split second.  I wish I could take away all the unnecessary worry that takes place before surgery....but we all go through it.  Know that we are all with you through this and that you are not alone. 

    Genny, I'm so happy to hear you are feeling better and also going to inquire about a new MO.  You are in control and need to be as calm and comfortable as you can on this journey.  I hope you find that connection with your new MO. As for your husband, what a super guy!  Keep listening to him by doing very little to nothing.  Less activity equates to less drain output and getting those drains out!  Hoping you get those drains out tomorrow!

    Ganzagirl, praying your bump goes down.  Take it easy and relax.  Some things are just out of our control and we just have to wait and see.  Yes, there it is again, patience...it's so hard to be patient.

    Diva, please be careful with those ice packs!  The packs do help but remember that we've lost a lot of feeling in our chest and it is easy to get frost bite and/or burns. Keep a close eye on it when using those packs.  I hope you are finding some relief.  You should start to feel a little better every day.  Keep resting.

    image. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • honeymama
    honeymama Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2014

    hi August sisters, I'm back!  So Aug 7 surgery went well, I was supposed to have direct implants after BMX, but due to an unforeseen infection in lumpectomy site PS put in TE instead. That was a bit disappointing waking up to. So, because of this I know nothing about TEs!!   I was told they were filled to 540ccs at surgery time, but one side is somewhat boob shaped but the other is like a large pancake quite high up to my collar bone?  Anyone experience this, or is this kind of normal for TEs?  

    Otherwise I'm recuperating well at home and taking things REALLY easy. 

    I wish next weeks ladies the best of luck!

    Here's to skilled surgeons and rock star nurses!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2014

    Hi ladies! House is clean, food is pre-cooked and stocked, toes are painted and lists are made for hubby…I'm ready to do this! Although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared and nervous, but I'm hanging in there for the most part. 

    To all the other sisters having surgery this week, go get 'em! 

    xoxo

    Alicia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited August 2014

    Allydp, thinking of you tomorrow with love and hugs. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2014

    Wishing you the best tomorrow, and in the coming days.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories