December 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    So sorry Sandra, I hope your hubby is ok.  

    Appreciate everyone's comments.  Honestly I had know idea what to expect or any clue on recovery.  The surgeon didn't have any concerns about me returning to work after two weeks.  I see the oncologist tomorrow for the Oncotype DX results.  I will discuss with her too.   Felt sick and nauseous all day, Glad I have an appointment tomorrow

    Who's supposed to be the point person in my care?  Surgeon, oncologist, radiologist?  

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    Just wondering if I am putting myself through unnecessary risks by going for a bilateral instead of a single in January. The doctors will not tell you which way to go - I know its a very personal decision. I also know cosmetically they won't match. I am probably just scared because I never had anything before and wonder if taking two vs.one is much of a difference in regards to pain, etc. Would love to hear your experiences. Thanks so much!

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Sandra,

    Prayers for you and your husband. I have rested more today and am resigned to let my recovery take its time.

    Scottie

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    Dear Funclassygal, Was in your shoes 2 weeks ago. The BC said a lumpectomy with radiation or UNX would suffice but said he'd defer to my choice. He said the more surgery the more chance of complications.and didn't change my life expectancy.

    I made my decision getting the IV for my MRI. Decided I wanted it once and done. I have 2 friends that made that choice. A 3rd did not and like me has issues with anxiety. She said she goes crazy with worry every Mammo Did not want the mental anguish and going through possible pain with more MRIs biopsies etc on the good side. Had my surgery Friday and have no regrets. Feeling liberated. On the other hand I'm a wimp and don't like pain so am not going for reconstruction. In my case I am looking forward to getting fitted with some lightweight symmetrical foobs. The choice is so personal. I took a paper and made a line down the middle then made a list of pros and cons of each choice on each side. Prayed about it, slept on it and BMX won for me. Gentle hugs. This is the hardest time they say , Sorry you are going through this, but you are surrounded by support here

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    Funclassy, no matter how many stories you read about breast cancer, you'll see that each one is slightly different, even if the diagnosis is the same, the ages and background of the women are the same and their family situation is the same. Each person has their own reasons why they chose one surgery instead of another. Some are confident they made the right decision, some have "buyers remorse." Sorry to say there is no clear right or wrong. It's your decision. Once you have researched not just the surgery and recovery and reconstruction issues of one surgery over the others, go to what you can expect after. Certain choices make certain treatments more/less likely.  

    We can each tell you our thought processes. My cancer was found early and although I had the option of a lumpectomy with radiation and follow up Tamoxifen, I chose double mastectomy which meant no radiation and no Tamoxifen. My risk of recurrence is 1%-2%. Prior to surgery, I had two mammograms plus an MRI with contrast showing the cancer was only in one breast but I wanted to maximize my chances of never having to go through this again. Pathology showed that the "healthy" breast had extensive but previously undetected LCIS, so in hindsight, I made the right decision. I have absolutely no regrets.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Funclassy,

    I chose BMx even though diagnosis only on the right. In my case the surgeon confirmed after that I made the right decision. Final path showed LCIS on both sides. I'm told it's just a marker but it does increase the risk of recurrence.

    As for recovery, I'm sure it does make it some harder. I still have to sleep propped up at night rather than on my side as I prefer. Also harder not having one good arm, but I just could not imagine going through this again.

    Most of the friends I know who were diagnosed had either lumpectomies or UMx.

    Best wishes for whatever decision you make.

    Scottie

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    Chloesmom, thank you so much! Hope you heal very fast! VeraAnn

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    sandra4611, Thank you for your kind words and you certainly did make the right choice. Thanks, VeraAnn

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    Scottiemom1, thank you for your input - hoping that you heal fast and can sleep on your side again very soon. Thanks, VeraAnn

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  • PerAngusta
    PerAngusta Member Posts: 112
    edited December 2014

    Hello Ladies! I had my bilateral mastectomy on December 3rd. Both breasts are now gone....and also, 24 lymph nodes. I was quite sad to learn that my cancer had spread into the nodes. I had four [4] drains. I have already had my follow up appointment with my surgeon. I did not opt for reconstruction [i.e. no tissue ex-panders] and as it turns out, it is a good thing....since I will have to have chemo AND radiation after Christmas. My left arm seems to be the stiffest....perhaps because most of the lymph nodes came from this side. I had severe nausea in recovery and this continued for 3 days, including vomiting. On the 3rd day, I stopped taking pain meds and felt alive and well again! I have lost 20 pounds....was 143 lbs [I am 5'9"] and now I am 123 lbs. My chest, to me, is shockingly flat....beyond what I had imagined or ever seen a female chest look like!! I believe it may look so terribly shocking because of the ribs and thinness of my form. So, although I had previously entertained the idea of "going flat"....I'm sure that I will someday, take advantage of plastic surgery. Right now, I am heartbroken. I was doing so, so, so well...but I'm very sad today. I can't sleep. I dream that I still have breasts and when I wake, I am horrified to discover them gone...over and over again. I am told that my hair will likely be the next thing to go....it is half way down my back, one length, straight and somewhat like "Sampson", I feel like I NEED my hair. I guess wigs will be on my next round of things to buy. I hate this. I'm beyond sad. I feel like this is never, never going to end.

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    So sorry you are having to face this PerAugusta! I am awke with you and my heart aches to hear what you are going through. I followed your previous posts and identified with your thoughts, feelings and choices ultimately making the same choice. The differnece being that the doctor.put a scopolamine patch on me before surgery (sea sickness patch behind the ear) and I was spared the nausea. Plus I have not yet missed my breasts as I was happy to see them go as I was so angry at them for making me sick. Perhaps so am not as far along in the grief process that I don't miss them. Anyhow this isn't about me. just wanted to say I am awake with you. Still waiting on my node report and am consumed with the what might be next. Ijust want to be through all this, Yet perhaps from here on in we will have a different perspective. A friend who went through it 3 years ago says it was the worst and best things that happened. It was painful, the theapy was an ordeal, the hair loss traumatic... She has the what if hanging over her head but she also treasures every day, feels stronger and healthier for making positive healthy lifestyle changes. Friends say she is radiant, I am hoping to be radiant with you too!

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  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    PerAngusta;

    So sorry that you are going through this, it's a difficult journey.  Many days, I too feel like this will never end.  And, like  Chlosemom said, the "what if" will be with many of us for years, no matter what you chose to do. 

     I'm confident time will help me to move beyond the pain and despair.  This is a temporary nightmare we find ourselves in.  I look forward to the time when we all feel stronger and radiant!  

    Sending you gentle hugs.

      (((❤))) BC sister

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    PerAugusta,

    Prayers for you!

    I had my BMx on the same day and like you also had severe nausea. I had a scopolomene patch and think it may have have made things worse. Also had a newer med that did not work. Nausea did not get better until I switched back to mainstay Phenergan which I have to take with pain meds. I to have lost weight. I think sadness is part of the recovery. I'm up and down.

    Having these Boards here helps. I wish I had reached out sooner, instead of waiting until right after surgery for support and answers to my questions.

    Take care!

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Did not sleep well last night (have cut pain meds in half) and woke up with a sick 12yo. Ds has asthma and still gets croup. I'm going to say this is a blessing today since it could have happened right after my surgery. Now I have to brave peds office during flu season and hope it doesn't get worse tonight. I think I will sign in and wait in car until called.

    UGH Hope everyone else is having a better day. Thinking of you Bippy and Sandra.

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    Sandra - OMG, prayers to your family. What a bizarre event, and what a horrible time for it to happen. I hope you have some sort of post op coverage, for a visiting nurse or a family member who can come stay with you guys. I would not have been able to safely drive a car the day after, heck, I'm 16 days out and still on narcotics, so won't drive. I hope there is an easy answer to why your husband lost conciousnous and that it is easily treatable. Love and prayers to you guys. What a strong couple you are!!!

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    One down, one to go. Have to wait another 2 weeks for oncotype report but got the news my nodes are negative! Can breathe a little easier for the moment.

    A lumpectomy had been recommended as Mammo, US and MRI were negative on the left, but my gut said go for BMX. Both BCs I saw agreed to follow my wishes. My confidence in my decision was supported by the fact that ILC may be a different issue being that it is only 10% of BC Trust.your intuition. The pathology report just came back and they were BOTH trying to kill me. Flat and Free. Loving it!

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    PerAngusta, gave me such chills when I just read this. I also had hair - one length down my back - constant compliments on it. The hardest part of all of this so far was the day I sat in that chair and they took my hair. But, we do what we have to do when we have no choice. Yes, like they all tell us, it will grow back - and it will - it's hard to deal with. As far as the chemo - I sailed right through it and I hope you do also. It is very different today and trust me I was petrified - 100% a baby - but it was ok. I am scheduled for surgery on January 13th and I am not so scared of this. Never been in a hospital - never nothing! They want to do direct implants as I am not a candidate for the expanders. Wonder why you vomited so much - were you just allergic to the anesthesia?

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  • Funclassygal
    Funclassygal Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2014

    Chloesmom, I like you have the ILC and it sure is sneaky! I literally had a lump pop out back in February the size of a golf ball. This is 2 months after a 3D mamo and a breast examination. Have you heard this type is the slowest growing one? Have you been told as to why only 10% get this one? Thanks, VeraAnn

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    H

    Hi girls,back home from my bmx! Only one night in hospital.

    All went well, had excellent staff, a private room, and good results. Only thing that he really had to dig into lymph, there was alot of scar tissue from chemo killin this chit. It is very sore. Takin pain pills around the clock. It aint pretty, but cancer is uglier.

    I too believe that pathology will return with evil stuff in the healthy Breast. I am sure I made the right decision for me. Best wishes to all struggling with surgery decisions and side effects......it is not going to be easy but at least we are here for each other

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Congrats on the negative node report Chloesmom.

    Bippy, glad all went well. Rest rest rest!

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    No idea VeraAnn, but it seems like it's a totally different kind do cancer the way it acts. Likes to hide in the shadows.

    Yay Bippy!

    Thanks Scottie! Going to sleep better tonite

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    Surgery is in the morning. Mike is still in the hospital. They are doing a bone marrow biopsy on him in the morning. I'll be in a room on the 2nd floor while he's up on the 6th floor. So weird. My daughter will be here Sunday. She's driving from Chicago. Overwhelmed with worry and anxiety.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2014

    oh Sandra, I will keep you and your hubby in my prayers.

    I have been with you on most of your journey and will remain so. I may not be able to respond for a few days, I am having carpal tunnel surgery in the morning. I should be able to read and keep up though.

    Off to bed. Great healing.

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  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    Sandra, sending you and your hubby positive thoughts and wishes.  I'm so sorry you are both going through this.  

    Support and hugs.

    Your BC sister (((💓)))

     

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  • revup-65
    revup-65 Member Posts: 94
    edited December 2014

    sandra4611 I got to say I bow down to you!!!! What an adventure, you should write a book, I would buy it. But I want to let you know, you have my thoughts and best wishes for your upcoming surgery. I will send best wishes to your husband too. The last one, ya hooooo, roar to the finish line Sandra.

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  • revup-65
    revup-65 Member Posts: 94
    edited December 2014

    sandra4611  I am sorry your overwhelmed with worry and anxiety. There is a power here of positive energy directed at you and your husband, I truly believe that makes a difference. I believe it can be nothing for you but a good outcome, you are very much supported by all of us.

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  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    Scottiemom11,

    Hope you're feeling better, the little one too.  Going to the pediatric doc was probably an unnerving event!!  Yikes!!  Fingers crossed you made it without catching anything.

    😷 Your BC sister 

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Sandra, prayers for you and your husband. Healing vibes!

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  • Angiem12
    Angiem12 Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2014

    Sandra4611 praying for you and your hubby! Your surgery will go well!

    Scittoemom11 hope your child is doing better!

    I am 8 days out from my bilateral masectamy with immediate reconstruction and had a node biopsy! Feeling better doing more and yet resting as well. I don't push my self when I start to feel tired or pain I sit down. Although sitting and laying down drives me crazy. It's the only way to a speedy recovery!

    I have no regrets on my BMX as I just wanted this done and over surgery.

    It is all overwhelming but I have to toughen up and go forward.

    I live for today especially with the holidays and family around!

    I still have Chemo but that's next month, today is today and what I can control.

    As of today only thing really annoying is the drains! Supposed to go to couple doctors today BS and Oncologist but my drains are not ready to be pulled! Hoping for Monday 😃

    Well ladies wanted to give you a update, encouragement and send prayers to all for speedy recovery.

    BC sister

    Angie

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    quiggy & Angie

    When he got to ped he was having trouble breathing. They took us right back. Huge dose of steroids, epinephrine breathing etc and he's much better this morning. Most importantly he slept through the night so I could to. I'm a special needs mom with BC.

    Today is my bone scan.

    Scottie

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