October 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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I certainly hope that's the last they'll have to drain from you, Mefromcc! Hope this helps you start feeling much better, too.
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Hi all,
I regret I have not read everyones comments, but I do have question. I am 3 wks post opp from double mascetomy. I have swelling still under both arms, more the left because of lymph node and nodules removed. I have a chest expander also in place, no cc injections other than what they did in surgery, chest is too tight still. Finally got my drains out on monday, but what I am feeling normal? Swelling under the arm, chest feeling tight still, hard to sleep in a bed? I also get some stabbing pain in my right breast that seems to come at night, and today had pain under my arm pit on left side. I also have an area in my back behind my left chest, which I call a fat back where I get jolts of pain, almost like little shocks? I assume some of it is nerve related, but want others opinions. I am early stage breast cancer too, oncology doc says I'm borderline chemo, wants to do a test of my breast tissue to see where I am on a scale, low, medium or high this test will determine if I go on chemo. To be frank, I am scared, if they don't do chemo, don't I still have these cells floating around from the surgery. I'm being put on tomoxifen for 10 years. I've heard you can gain weight on it? Anyone have those issues? Also, has anyone changed their diet habits? Please advise with any advice please! Thanks in advance
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I made a typo on the cc's. I misheard what she said apparently but hubby and I both definitely heard her say about 3/4 cup of fluid. She had two full syringes. I edited my post to take out that 40cc since I didn't hear her correctly.
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Well I was hoping to have my two remaining drains removed today but alas only one got removed. The one that is on the side where the seroma was is still in place. Doc wants to leave it in and then come to his office Friday to have it removed providing the seroma area still looks ok.
Got another 50cc in each TE today too. Had a muscle cramp or what I called a Charlie horse in my left chest "bump". That did not feel good at all. Thank goodness for Tylenol!
I go back to get another fill next Tuesday.
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Laura, I can't imagine how that cramp in the chest would feel. Ouch. Too bad about the last drain - I hope you can lose it on Friday!
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atikagil love your good news that's amazing no rads! I am waiting to go to MO but in mean time the calls have started to come in for tests echo blood muga scan etc etc
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Laura, those muscle spasms hurt like the devil, don't they? I had them after one surgery only and even then only on one side. Weird. My PS ordered valium and no more muscle pain. I always keep it on hand after every surgery now in case I have spasms again.
Akita, well it's about time for some good news! Feels like you just dodged a big, ugly bullet, right?
Funnthesun, you are absolutely completely normal. Recovery from surgery is a series of odd zips, zaps, zots, pains, aches, burning feeling, swelling, weird shapes, and an inability to sleep flat for a long time. Please do go back and read the pages of posts by others who've had surgery and you will see yourself in nearly every post.
Let's hear it for drains that are no more and seromas that have been tamed, at least for now.
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Sandra- always so helpful to your fellow bc sisters! Being a pastor's wife I really appreciate those who take the time to help others, praying God can use this in my life to help someone else as well!
I am following everyone's stories and wonder how my story will go today...follow up surgical appointment with pathology is this afternoon. I still have a knot under my SNB incision that is quite painful. It really makes that arm sore, so I am interested in knowing what he thinks about it. I'm guessing today will be when I set up the oncologist appointments as well. Here we go...
will update later! Thanks for all the posts..I'm an avid reader of this board!
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Akita, Robyn: hooray for you on the negative nodes, that's SO awesome! Enjoy the good news and very cool about the clinical trial. I may have to go read more about it.
Horse mom: I'm completely blown away that any medical professional would make a comment like that. Wow! I'm sorry but thank goodness there was an angel there to make you feel better. If you watched that tattoo video that oceansky posted, I kept thinking she looks normal and I will someday soon.
Funinsun: I'm 3 wks post op today and am feeling all of the same issues you described. I don't have expanders but am super tight all around chest and under arms and around incision area and sides and back and am getting lots of zings and zaps. I'm watching for any fluid build up but don't see any. The stretching exercises are both helping and making me sore.
Hope everyone here is feeling more in control and more at peace. Every step is so scary but then you just keep moving forward and tackle everyday and just do the best you can to put one foot in front of the other. Some are wrapping up their journey and others are just beginning but may we all find the strength to do what we have to! Hugs to everyone.
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AKITAGIRL!!!! YAY!!!! I'm so excited for your great news I did a happy dance for you! Here's to another FANTABULOUS day for you! I know exactly how you feel with regard to finding out radiation is off the table, my husband and I were ecstatic when we found out I don't have to have radiation.
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Horsemom, ignore that comment, your PS must have had a brain fart at that time. I had chemo before surgery and just the shrinking of the tumor was "deforming", then the surgery....after they are done working their magic on us, we'll be beautiful again also! -
Forhisglory, good luck at your follow up appointment today. Hoping and praying for the best possible news!
Kim
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ForHisGlory: I am praying for a solid answer to the lump question today...and for perfect resolution!
Sandra: I am sure someone has asked...but are you a teacher by profession? You have the gift of mentorship, encouragement, teaching and cheerleading. Thank you for all you give to us!
SWOOBS: Let me know your dates. Today I received the day of port placement - next Thursday, Nov. 20th. Insurance hasn't approved the PET scan yet, but hoping to get that scheduled soon, along with all the other tests. Have you started posting on a chemo thread? If so, let me know which one, so I can join you. :-)
Horsemom: I agree with everyone else regarding your PS comment. Sometimes people open mouth and insert big horse hoof (is that spelled right?)
Funthesun: I encourage you to do some research regarding Oncotype/Mammaprint/etc. Remember, you have a say in your plan and with what your dx says...just think carefully about the recommendation and remember that these tests are only one piece of the puzzle. I won't share my personal opinion, unless you would like to private message me... I'll be praying for clear vision and comfort in decisions.
For everyone - again, my daily devotion was just absolutely perfect. I pray this for all: "Today is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine.". I swear that is what the day's message was in my book. Crazy, huh?
Today I am off to see the BS, get her blessing to return to work on November 24th and hopefully get 2 of the three drains removed.
I hope everyone has a great day!
Finally, one of my best friends sent me this blog entry. It made me laugh and cry and I encourage you all to check it out:
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Akita, I've never taught school but have always been a believer in giving back to the organization that gave you a hand up. Women used to learn by watching others. They had a small group of family and friends who passed along their knowledge, but now that we are so spread out, most of us don't have that comfort. There is so much misinformation and opinions by sketchy "experts" on the web that we can be easily overwhelmed. I sure was! This place helped me focus in on what was important, learn the difference between what I thought was true and reality, and gave me support in ways I wasn't smart enough to know I even needed at the time. I've made wonderful friends and have had the thrill of meeting some of them in person. Others I'll probably never sit down with over a cup of tea, but they have become a sort of family nonetheless. There have been only two "stinkers" in the hundreds of mentors that have come to my rescue over and over since July of 2013 when I joined the day after my diagnosis. That makes me still a "newbie" I guess, but I've felt confident enough to let a little of my light shine when I see a fellow sister in need. It's such a cliché, but I do TRULY learn something new every day here, often just from watching others deal with much tougher situations than I've ever had - and do it with awe inspiring perseverance in spite of the odds.
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FHG -- I had a lump under my SNB incision -- was just fluid and it went away pretty quickly. Good luck today in getting your results!
Happy healing vibes to everyone else!
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Hi Ladies,I have my surgery 3 weeks from Friday and I am working myself up into a frenzy. My dr. has been away, so I have had way too much time to research everything related to my situation. I have been reading everything on this site several times a day. I am so afraid that the pathology that comes back will be a lot worse than what we thought. Does the pathology ever come back they way they expect (or even better?) This is really causing me anxiety. Success stories and coping ideas welcome!!! Thank you in advance!
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edukes, my pathology came back exactly the same as my biopsy. It does happen! That was the most anxious part of the process for me, also.
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Thanks 3littlebirds. Its encouraging. Waiting is truly miserable. I hope you are doing well!
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You're right, Edukes - it is miserable. People who haven't been through it cannot begin to imagine. Hang in there.
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My pathology came back the same as the biopsy also.
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I just really don't want any more surprises. I feel like I have accepted what is happening and what I need to do. Just no more curve balls!
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aria girl no I have not joined a board just silently watching two the triple positive and nov chemo....I have not met with MO yet.....but they've ordered tests so I'm assuming next week.
Trying to educate myself on the herceptin and herceptin without chemo senerio as I may not be a good candidate for chemo.....one thing I've noticed on the boards all the women with the same DX as me have had rads then chemo then surgery and most only lumpectomy .....mine seems so backwards I did surgery now heading into treatment....
I need a surgery before any treatment on my implant it's let go and hanging so low and it's uncomfortable.....need bra 24/7 to keep her snug!
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Swoobs, is it both or one that is a problem?
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Just one my left Sandra ....it has to be reset into my pec....not happy but want it over with! Before Christmas I hope....
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I'm scheduled for re-biopsy on Friday a.m. to see how well the tumor and node have responded to neoadjuvant treatment with Femara. I've got an appointment the following Friday with my BS to review the results and tweak my treatment plan based on said results.
Well, as is typical with this hike through the cancer bad lands, nothing is that straightforward.
Our weather forecast is going sideways by the minute, with snow, sleet, freezing rain and high winds alternating for the next five days. Given our terrain and the location of imaging center, I'm quite doubtful that I'll be able to get there early on Friday a.m.
I'll call the nurse navigator tomorrow to put together a Plan B, just in case and will hope that the forecast improves between now and then. If we have to delay everything a few days I can live with it, although the forecast isn't that great for next week, either.
I can't begin to tell you how unusual it is to get snow and ice in November - usually we expect that in Jan./Feb. not this time of the year.
Something about the best laid plans and all that...
I know many people are already dealing with horrid weather so can't complain too much but the timing sure is exasperating. On the other hand, this may give my body a few more days to respond to Femara and perhaps come up with an even stronger result. I'm o.k. with that, too, although I'm really curious to see how it's responded and it's hard to wait!
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My first day back at work today! Probably good-sat more and kept my arm down, except for typing on computer during meetings. An early bedtime tonight-not used to rising so early!
Swoobs- I know I had chemo first because the cancer had made a b-line from breast to lymph node and went crazy and was growing day by day. They wanted to kill everything as fast as they could to stop progression, and it was totally effective. The breast tumer had no living cells at mastectomy and lymph node went from 4.1 cm to 2mm. the next two nodes were .1 and .2 mm. The breast surgeon was delighted. Sorry to hear about having to have another surgery-I hate the bumps that are unplanned! And then to have to wait-more recovery time before xmas. sorry!
A question- So, tomorrow I have another fill. After the last fill, most of the bulge of TE was high in my chest. Today, it seems like some fluid has dropped to lower part of the breast that wasn't inflated at all. There is still a little fluid around the breast I can move around, but the lower portion is very firm and more 'formed' now. feels like it is the TE-but I'm worried because its so firm. There is no redness, warmth, or fever-or unusual pain. So does this change seem normal?
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slaverich I'm not sure about what you are feeling I don't have TE I had immediate implants thanks for the info on how you were treated. The prob with mine is they didn't expect the IDC at all so the protocol that would have been normal was missed and now I'm not sure the best plan for me.....that's great you enjoyed being back at work!
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My appointment went great today! The pathology didn't change except in size..he said all in all probably stage 1b, but still grade 1 and the lymph node is clear! So relieved...he did not order the oncytype test but is sending me to see the MO and RO. Looking like radiation and tamoxifen will be the next steps unless MO does oncytype and gets a high score. But I was confused because the surgeon said that I might not need oncytype since the node was clear?? I thought that is when they do the test... for node negative? Getting the appointments set up...RO will be the 25th, waiting for MO office to get all my records and decide when to fit me in.
Edukes- I totally worried myself sick and was prepared for many curve balls today but there weren't any! So yes it does happen...I cried the first real tears after today's visit. I think I was so relieved that I finally let loose! Emotions are crazy like that huh?
Hard to think myself cancer free yet, or i guess NED, because I worry about all the little cells that could be lurking. I guess that just takes time to let go of, and radiation might make that feeling go away. It's crazy because as much as I didn't want to do chemo, the fact that I'm not is also a little scary.
so thankful for you guys to talk to...Y'all get it!
Hopeful- hoping for bx to go as planned and good results! So not ready for cold weather but ready or not here it comes!
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ForHisGlory, I know what you mean. It wasn't that I wanted any other treatment, but I think we naturally want to throw everything possible at our cancer. When the oncologist said I didn't need anything else, I had to be convinced that enough had been done. Doesn't that sound weird? I had tears running down my face and couldn't even say why. Were they tears of relief because I wasn't going to have to deal with side effects (yes) or tears because I was afraid of the future? (yes)
Slavrich, it sounds normal but of course your doctor will have the final say. A tissue expander is put under the muscle but depending on the brand of TE, the bottom part is often not all covered by muscle. The saline goes into the top portion of the TE but instead of it all running down to the bottom part, the tight muscle kind of traps it at the top. As the muscle relaxes and stretches, the saline can respond to gravity and drop to the bottom. The surrounding tissue at the bottom responds to the sudden influx of saline by swelling a little so you feel tight. As your TE fills up, the top part of it will be bulging and you'll have the same problem, just in reverse.
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Thanks Sandra-that makes sense- I hadn't thought about the muscle holding the fluid in the top.
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