Surgery in 1 week...nervous!!

Hello!

I can't help with your questions because, unfortunately, we are at about the same place in this journey but I just wanted to offer my support and for your upcoming surgery.  I too have multiple spots in my right breast (3, about 1 cm each) and am meeting with the surgeon today so hopefully I'll have a plan of attack starting today.  I don't know about anything about my treatment plan yet (node involvement etc).  Anyway, I just wanted to send happy thoughts your way and let you know someone will be thinking of you.  Perhaps we can take this journey together! :-)

nicci, hummingbird, sorry you found yourself here. I was DX'd as Stage 1A; I had a PEM scan on both breasts and no further testing. I think some people have had other scans done such as a PET or CT scan, but depending on your DX, etc., it may not be recommended or paid for by insurance. You  can review the NCCN guidelines online. I'm sorry, but I don't have the link. I understand your anxiety.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of chemo being 100% effective for any of us, but your MO may be able to answer your questions. If you don't feel comfortable with the recommendations,  consider getting a second opinion. I didn't have an ALND, but it also poses some risks of lymphedema, etc.  There is so much knowledge and good information here to help you with your decisions. Ask others on another thread if you don't find out what you need to know here. Wishing you both the best! 

nicci, sorry you have been dx at such a young age, not fair. 

The job of chemo is too kill cancer cells that might have traveled away from the breast & nodes. Radiation kills the stray, random cells that might be left in the breast, or in your case chest wall or remaining tissue. 

I had to get a PET scan after my lumpectomy because there was so much cancer in the axillary. I tried to refuse it. I did not want to know if it had traveled, just wanted to get going with chemo. Luckily the only thing that lit up on that scan was another node in the breast that was inflamed. Of course I stressed over that for the entire time. They did a ultra sound after radiation & it is normal.

Join the chemo group that starts when you do, or start one yourself. I did not find this website until I was almost done with chemo. Sharing your thoughts & fear with ladies going thru the exact same thing is so helpful. Be kind & easy on yourself. The roller coaster of breast cancer is a nightmare, we "get it". Friends & family are wonderful, but they cannot understand, they are not living it. 

Yes Nicci-a lot of women on here have, as you say, dealt with a similar situation. After surgery, you'll have a lot more info about your pathology, and hopefully feel more empowered about your particular journey and your treatment.  And our wish is that you will no longer say, as you did in your post "I have cancer."  After it's all said and done, I hope you'll be able to say "I had cancer." Do some research on what you can expect as far as recovery with a double mastectomy, so you can prepare. And I wish you all the best. 

nicci & hummingbird, so sorry you have to join us but glad you are here to find support.

nicci you talked about your decision to have BMX vs single mx. Such a personal choice & unfortunately people may tell you what they think you should do, vs acknowledging it is your body, your cancer, your choice. When I say "people," I do not mean here...well intentioned friends, family, survivors. 

I started by doing 2 lumpectomies along with aspiration of a large cyst on the right, and removal of several smaller cysts on the right. Turns out the lump on the left was benign, but the IDC on the right was so close to my skin they could not get a clear margin. So, I knew right away that I was in for a second surgery. Two nodes were taken, but only 1 had cancer.

I am stage IIB, grade 3. Hormone negative Her2 +.

I should start by saying I am an anxious person under normal circumstances. I can get myself to do aanything I need to do...but I have to obsess, research, ask questions, etc in order to make decisions. 

I had received the same info of the 1% for prophylactic mastectomy of the second non-cancer breast. Despite that, it felt right for me based on my research to go with the BMX. I just could not envision doing the single. I was to the point I felt betrayed by my boobs/body & during my six months of chemo, that never changed.

My husband was initially very concerned about me doing the BMX, and wanted me to be less aggressive. As time went on, I met with the surgeon a couple times and grilled her on that 1% stat. It is not exactly as it seems when you factor in your age. After lots of research I made the BMX decision & my husband got on board with what I wanted to do.

I had my surgery in mid July. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I got the pathology back, and the chemo had kicked butt on the cancer & I am cancer free. Since my surgery, every doctor on my team has mentioned that I made the right decision doing box because of all of the "activity" I had going on in my breasts. 

I am happy with my decision, and it has made.me more confident for the future. I have not decided yet on whether I will do reconstruction, but I have several months while my radiated skin & muscles recover. I don't feel bad about myself or how I look. I am just to the point where I am at peace with my decision & see it as a necessary. I do not wear prosthetic bras or anything either. 

Whatever the recommendations from your doc on surgery, it is your body, your life, your choice. Good luck to you as you negotiate this journey.  Lean on your support systems, accept help when it is offered & be gentle with yourself. There will be some dark days during this journey, so save your energy to push through...because you will get through. Hugs to you.

Nicci dear, cyberhugs to you.  I had a similar diagnosis, 2 tumors, lymph node involvement.  I had chemo first, though.  My oncologist recommended it because we knew about the node ahead of time.  Stats say either way doesn't make a difference.  At times I thought I should have gotten the cancer out sooner...but oh well...maybe ask your onco doc about neoadjuvant chemo?

Surgery - I read this somewhere "surgery is scary and sometimes painful, but with patience you get better soon."  That is the honest truth. . .you will get better soon.  Get a script for lymphedema evaluation and physical therapy - that really, really helped get my range of motion back after the ALND. 

Steel yourself to getting into warrior mode.  Comfortable clothes, lots of friends you can count on to bring you food and send you funny cards (yes, ask for funny cards).  You are taking care of YOU during this fight, remember that.  I found great comfort on these boards.  And mind-numbing tv series (House of Cards, stuff like that). 

It's crazy now, Nicci, but you will do absolutely just fine.  It sucks to become a member of this club but as you may know already, you are far from alone unfortunately and we are all here to help you along the path.  Be optimistic, because you have lots of reasons to be. . .(((hugs)))  Merrellgirl

Someone mentioned the NCCN guidelines.  Here is a link to the 1.2014 guidelines.  Not sure if they came out with another one since then or not.  http://new.24hmb.com/voimages/web_image//upload/file/20140422/72881398143429924.pdf

BTW - how are you guys getting BMx?  I have a feeling my BS is going to tell me no, she keeps pushing for all different types of lumpectomies.  I just want them both off.    How do I fight that.