August 2014 Surgery
Comments
-
Hey ladies, thanks so much for all your feedback. My pain is mostly in my middle back. It got so bad last night I had to take a Percocet. That was enough for me so I called my PS and left a message with the nurse today and my actual PS ended up calling me back. He said back pain isn't something he typically sees with mastectomy and recon. He then personally called my onc to relay the pain. He called me back within an hour and said my onc is reviewing my last scans and probably ordering something, and I'll hear from her soon. I'm quite nervous at this point. Obviously my PS thinks this needs to be evaluated asap. As for the recovery, I could do better on the hydration and protein, so I plan on stepping that up. I wasn't given any exercises to do, but I'll be heading into PT in a few weeks, which is supposed to help loosen me up and regain my range of motion. I'm looking forward to it.
Sunny - it shouldn't take that long to get your path report. I had mine in about 48 hours. I would be upset too. I hope they're wrong and can get you the report much sooner.
Lipgloss - my goodness, you've been through way too much. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how sad and frustrating this must be. You are a brave woman with that leech therapy! And your attitude is amazing. I hope you're able to go home soon and recover in the comfort of your own home. Keep us posted on plan B and your path report. Thinking of you.
Ml - I know it's hard not to worry, but I truly don't think you have anything to worry about. Many, many woman have abnormal paps. I had about 3 years straight of them back in my 20's, all HPV related. Same as you, the cell changes were always "low grade" and I had to have a few colposcopies, which always came back showing low grade changes. It was a watch and wait thing for those entire 3 years. My body eventually took care of the HPV virus on its own and my paps have been normal ever since. Numerous of my friends have been down the same road. Unfortunately, HPV is extremely common and it just takes our bodies a year or so to overcome it. Having said all that, I know you're still raw from the BC diagnosis and this is all just too much. Try to keep busy and stay off the internet. I'm chuckling as I type that because I'm a total hypocrite…having just googled my heart out on my own worries lol. Anyway, we're here for you. PM me if you need someone to chat with, as I'm looking to keep my mind busy too.
-
Allydp I am SSOOO thinking about you!!!! Let us know if doc orders scans and when and what he says!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
lipgloss -- I've been waiting to hear from you and OMG what an ordeal. You sound like you're in very competent hands though and in a good place. Hugs to you
Ml143333 - prayers. The stress has to be overwhelming.
Ally - keeping you in my thoughts as well. Pain is a personal thing. And compensating for other areas can cause it in weird areas. I am keeping my fingers crossed that's all it is.
It's always an adventure girls. Never a dull moment seriously.
-
Allydp, I am with you! Available for PM if you need to vent in PM format. It's good that your actual PS called you. At least he cares! I could set myself on fire and I doubt my PS would show up with a cup of water
Looking forward to anything they order up for you -- painkillers, even extra tests -- because I am looking forward to having them rule out everything bad and telling you you slept on your back wrong
Gentle hugs. XXXOOO
-
lipgloss I am so sorry you went through all of that! Cancer is nasty!!! I hope you are home and able to rest up.
ml I'm so sorry I have something else to wait and worry about. My money is on it being benign!!
Ally I agree with Sunny. It's VERY possible that you were compensating for the pain in the front and pulled something in your back!
My thoughts are with you guys!!! Love and hugs!!!
-
Hey girls, bless you hearts we need some chins up here! Several of you are going thru some trying times, and I just want to remind you to look back on what you have already been through.. and you will get through this too, you are an awesome group of amazing women with unheard of courage and strength, and all in my prayers.
For all you mastectomy girls with reconstruction, the reconstruction is a booger, and you have to take care of yourself, as others said, with hydration (water & juice), nutrition ( protein, fruits, veggies) and rest! Think about how the chest muscles had to be manipulated with some of your procedures, on top of an already tough surgery for mx... you are gonna have good / bad days. I think we tend to enjoy a good day so much, we prob. over do it, then pay for it in subsequent days..may I remind you ladies you had MAJOR surgery. Think POSITIVE. If your MD has given okay for ibuprofen, I would suggest that, even if you arent hurting.. take for few days in row, as ibuprofen not only helps relieve pain, but it helps decrease inflammation which is causing pain. Take it at least 3 times a day at 6-8 hour intervals. Vitamin C also helps promote wound healing, if ok with your MD... take! ( and your juices would be good source of it too).
As for path reports.. remember the Labor day holiday is a non- working day, so to speak, so that is adding delays.. And we all have different medical facilities with different abilities, so just because one gets their results back quicker, doesnt mean anything is wrong with the other. Chin up girls. A lot of smaller hospitals prob have to send specimens out, so that adds time. I am so sorry for all of you waiting,as I know that has been one of the biggest stressors for me.. "the wait". No news does not equal bad news though... it is simply no news=no results... yet.
We each need to remember, whether we are struggling with post op problems, chemo, radiation, or "the wait"... these are all just steps, sometimes bumps, that are leading us on our path to recovery. Frame of mind is such a factor in healing, stress kicks us down. We are a collective group of women, all going through unimaginable trials, that one can't understand who hasnt been there; yet we have each other to cheer us on, lend a shoulder for tears, and the ability to truly empathize with each other. When down, think of the blessing that this happened to us in this day/time, as our treatments are so much more specific, personalized, and with good outcomes, as compared to a few decades ago, and treatment is striving forward daily. We are SURVIVORS and yes we will make it through these bumps in the road.
We girls have got each other in our lovely collective "pockets" and I am sending "y'all" a big ole southern hug .
1 John 5: 14-15
-
AllyDP- Sorry to hear of your back pain, I agree with Sunny and Jules as I had quite a bit of back pain. Have you had any fills yet, or did you get any put in at time of BMX? The reason I ask is my BS and PS both said my pec muscles were very tight ( I do a lot of heavy lifting at work and physically very strong. This in turn when I started fills my muscles were a little reluctant to stretch which then since they are all "attached" pulled on my back muscles. My pain was also mid back, and it did ease up after a week or two. Also about half way thru fills, I went an had a massage at the local salon and that was absolute heaven. Explained to massage therapist that I just had BMX and put a rolled up towel under my stomach and was able to lay on my stomach for the massage.
I pray this is true for you also and that its nothing else
-
Thanks Allie for starting this post!
I got my pathology report back a day ago and I am clear!!! My lymph nodes were also clear of any cancer! My surgeon said my right side had cysts but that is all. I had a bi-lateral surgery so it doesn't matter..Now on the road to reconstruction..Already got my first fill today!!! OMG what an experience...gotta go take a nap now...
-
Psalm - Thank you for reminding each of us just how strong we really are. It's easy to focus in on a current "stresser" and forget the big picture.
Angel - CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is a boat load of fantastic news
Had another fill this morning........ I am up to 140 cc in the left (cancer side) and 200 cc in the right. A few sutures out.
Hugs to all you amazing women.
-
Angel! **happy dancing**
Well, Psalm has got us all covered with some excellent advice! She is like a little mommy to us! Thank you Psalm.
This massage idea is not a bad one, Ally. I'm signed up for some through PT at the hospital. I found a really good person.
It's like fill city here!
Just back from gyn -- had breakthrough bleeding so now more tests and maybe a (dreaded) endometrial biopsy 
I understand so well all of you sisters who have many worries and appts! I am there with you at every one of them.XXXXXOOOO
-
WONDERFUL news Angelfaith!!!!! Rest up and heal up now!
bobogirl--- You've been so strong and been through so much and now this worry too!! This one has just GOT to go right for you!! I don't know what to say, I'll just try to push things right by force of thought.
Psalm34-4 Your comforting and informative post was excellent! But you forgot to say one thing!... I saw you posted in other places that your re-excision surgery got CLEAR MARGINS!!!!!! We want to celebrate that too!!!!! YAY (and phew!)
-
Hello everyone, I am adding my good news too. Lymph nodes are clear and they got clear margins. The cross cancer center said that no treatment was needed. I am so happy.
Angel great to hear your news too.
Ally hugs to you. I hope you feel better soon.
Psalm thank you for your post.
It is not a easy path that we are on, but I am glad I have all of you to share it with. Hugs
-
lipgloss...I'm so sorry about your failed flap. Boo! I'm a visual person and I don't know how the heck you were able to do the leach therapy. You are one determined lady!!
ML143333...I had cervical biopsy 18 years ago due to abnormal pap w/HPV cells. I had cervical cryo surgery and it's super easy done in the office. (Mine was done during a tornado, with power outage and doc using a pen light held by a nurse! I fainted on the table and they revived me smelling salts! It was surreal!) Anyhow, I've had normal apps every year since! So don't get ahead of yourself just yet. It's hopefully no big deal!
Allydp and ganz...so sorry you are both still in so much pain. I can relate. Felt great earlier this week and apparently did too much, bcuz my foobs have been so ANGRY! I started back with the pain pills when it got to be too much, but am running low so trying to save them. I know they won't give me a refill. I took it easy for a few days and now feel better, but not as good as I did. I have noticed the more water I drink (and less caffeine) the better I feel. I'm also putting forth the effort to consume lots of protein to help me heal! I know sleep is key to healing too, but who can sleep when you can feel all your internal stitches poking?!?!
I went out last night for a friends bday and had 2 glasses of wine! (And about a gallon of water). It felt so good to see so many friends, but one lady hugged me so hard I thought my TE was gonna pop out. I slept REALLY well last night. Today, I'm not doing anything strenuous, but keeping busy making hair bows and ponytail streamers for the little girls performing at our HS football game tomorrow. Very low key! Anything to keep me busy so I don't try to do laundry, clean house, etc...bcuz that's how I hurt myself earlier this week.
-
Quiltlibrarian, so happy to read your great news!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!
-
quilt - woohoo!!
-
quilty! *happy dancing*
**more dancing**
Hoping you are making a celebratory 'all clear' quilt! Quilt away!
-
quilt & angelfaith... CONGRATS !! Absolutely wonderful news!!
Imhere... thank you very much, I was behind reading, and so many on this post had sad news/ bad days I couldnt bear to post my good news here.. I must say, as quilt & angelf prob did, when I read my margins were clear.. relief and tears flowed... had kept a lot bottled up and was trying to be strong and ready for bad news... that I didnt know what to do with myself! Thank God for answered prayers.
lipgloss... need to hear from you... praying for you.
-
Psalm - thank you for your kind words and support. You have a way with words!
Sunflower - thank you! I am in a better frame of mind today. Whatever comes my way good or bad, I will be able to deal with it with the help of God, my family and you all here!
Quilt and Angel - wonderful news! So glad to hear that! Hugs and kisses to you both!
Allydp, Lipgloss, and Ganz - thinking of you and wishing nothing but good thoughts!
I had my follow-up today with my plastic surgeon. He took out both drains - WooHoo! Didn't hurt a bit. He said everything looks good. The muscle on the cancer side is tighter therefore the implant hasn't dropped as much as the other. He said not a big deal and gave me a Velcro strap to wear across the muscle and more exercises! He said he would see me in a week!
Then I got the best news from my breast surgeon - final path came back - 100% negative nodes, clear margins and tumor was smaller than originally thought 91.3 cm). The tumor was sent out for oncotype testing today and we should know something in about 14 days. Either way, like my surgeon said, everything has been great so far - what ever comes good or bad, we go with it. If it is aggressive and needs chemo - I will take it gladly as extra insurance.
I am in a better frame of mind today regarding the colposcopy tomorrow. I am hoping for freezing or something of that nature. If it isn't what we want, well, as long as it is treatable, I am golden! Thank you for your prayers and support.
-
quilt, angel and ml WOOOOOHOOOOO on the oath reports. So happy for you
Ml glad you got some good news and congrats on no drains!
-
ml143333.. Praise the Lord for your wonderful, wonderful news... So happy for you.. Clear...Clear..Clear.. Best words us girls can hear!!
As for your colposcopy... that will be breeze after all you have done... listen to these other ladies who have been there... you are going to be fine! Praying for low oncotype.. but as I reminded myself, just the fact that I meet criteria to check oncotype is a blessing in itself... and should I or you need chemo... well thats just going to be extra security blanket. Positive healing thoughts...
-
ml, angel and quilt. Great news on your pathology! Hope you're treating yourself.
ml - so glad you got your drains out. good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking bout you. Colposcopy is a definitely a walk in the park, compared to all that you've been through the past week.
-
lipglossmommie, wow you are one strong woman. Thinking about you and hoping you are doing better. Glad u are at UCLA
Yay for great path reports to angel, ml and quilt!!
ml, worst part of colonoscopy is the prep, right? I am overdue for one which is not good since I had precancerous polyps awhile back. I'll be with you there soon.
Thanks for all the positive posts, Psalm!
Lori, thinking about you during your first day of chemo tomorrow!! Let us know how you are.
Allydp, sorry about the horrible pain! Lots of good advice here for you.
In my world I am starting rads in a few weeks. Get my setup next week. Was a bit upset the week before my lumpectomy to learn about the Oncotype test recently here and not from my MO back in Dec 2013. Got over that but when I asked him about it during post-op pathology review he said he agreed with me that I should have one. But because my tumor was 80% residual (oh, yes, the extra leftover type) cancer and 20% killed by Hormone Therapy. Not the results he had hoped for. So now I'll do rads and wait a few more weeks to see about chemo. Bring it on! I want this sucker over with and out of my body. Hopefully will get a score that is definitive. Not counting on it though. The scariest part would be not being able to work since I support myself.
You ladies are inspirational!!! I am learning so much.
Thanks for listening! No one else gets it.
-
ml14333--- I sure like that NEG NODES and CLEAR MARGINS news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll join bobogirl in the happy dancing that's sure to come!!!!!
Go strong into today's exam!
-
Sassy, even if you need to get chemo, some people are able to work through it. Everyone is different, and have different reactions to things, so we'll hope for the best. One step at a time!
Did they give you a percentage of your hormone sensitivity? Is it the same as your initial DX?
Can I ask you about your side effects from the femara? And menopause status before starting the drug? I'm not 100% post...my last period was mid-July, but it's been off and on for the last couple of years now, so they are treating me as postmenopausal.
Girl isn't getting a colonoscopy...I had to look up her's but the description sounds not too invasive. (But I'm not the one with my feet in the stirrups!)
Everyone...don't let the fact that some of us have less positive news prevent you from celebrating your good news in front of us! I like hearing when things go well for you! One reason I haven't moved over to the stage IV forum is because I want to keep a good state of mind, and hearing some good news now and then helps with that! My stage is a number, not a sentence. But if I dwell only in the realm of gloom and doom, I may forget that! I intend to be one of those people who forgets to post about how well they are doing 20 years out because they are too busy planning their next vacation.
-
Sassy Seven, Hope your rad therapy is smooth smooth smooth and peeling free.
-
Yay Milaandra for knowing how to put the numbers in their proper place. Your next vacation and all the many many after that will be GRAND!!
-
Mil you just keep planning away!!!!! I absolutely love your spirit!!!! In return if you feel that spirit slipping away please know that you can come to us for encouragement.
Sassy I worked through 5 months of chemo. It was hard but doable. Good luck!
So for me I started my PT to break up the cording. I'm so glad a lot of the area is numb!! I go in for my simulation today for rads. Very happy to keep this ball rolling. I was afraid they would postpone it until I had a few PT sessions under my belt. Even though I'm still getting herceptin it's nice to see the infusion nurses every 3 weeks. They are amazing people!! And so far so good on the tamoxifen. And last but not least I'm getting fitted for my breast form today!!! I only have so many baggy shirts!!
-
I didn't get to take my anti nausea med last night like I was supposed to. The pharmacy needed the hospital to okay something and it wasn't ordered. Supposed to be in today. Now I'm thinking I should have used the pharmacy at the hospital...
Picc line in yesterday, I do not like it...nope.
All the nurses are wonderful, friendly and very upbeat. I have so much support with friends and family, I am very lucky. But I'm still scared...
Today is my last day of work too, my daughter will be in charge of the kids while I go for chemo and I may need her to handle pickup time if I don't feel well. I gave all my little lambs parting gifts yesterday just in case.
Sassy, you'll be fine with the rads I'm sure. I'm not as afraid of rads as I am with chemo. Just do what you have to do to get rid of this cancer, then you can move on with the rest of your life!!
-
ml - wonderful news!!
-
ml! **happy dancing**
Milaandra -- you are right! And you are a bad-ass. Plan those vacations, girl!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team