February 2015 surgery

AudreyB,

I am sharing what happened to me and I hope it helps you face your worst fear and brings you some comfort too.

I had a lumpectomy in my left breast when I was 34 and my four kids were very young.

Thank God it was benign. I  also had a sono-guided needle biopsy in the right breast about 9 years ago, again benign.

I always believed that at the first sign of cancer I would have a double mastectomy, but in November my mammo/sono/MRI/w-contrast

came back as; Linear Segmental Micro-calcification Birad 5 Highly suspicious of malignancy.

I researched what it was and knew that I had cancer.

Because the holiday season was upon us I had to wait until 12/31/14 to get the diagnoses, I also had a second opinion.

I must tell you that as sure as I had been of what I was going to do; now I was face to face with "the decision" I was not sure at all anymore!

Everyone says take it one step at a time, but that is easier said than done.

I had my meltdown in Nov.- Dec. accepting what for me, was the inevitable decision for me.

I did discuss it with my kids, 26, 23, 21,and 19 year old, 2 boys and 2 girls.

They all felt I was making the right decision.

Their paternal grandmother passed away after a long battle with breast cancer when their father was just 15 years old.

Know I am concerned about what the future holds for my children having this family history on both sides.

My 26 year old had three surgeries on her right breast already as a teen, because she has so many fibroid adenomas.

My daughter is getting married the day before my surgery on the 19th of February. I won't be able to attend, she is in Florida.

You Audrey will be able to get through this with or without cancer! 

This site has been a God send for me!

Courage is not being unafraid, Courage is standing in the face of fear and doing what needs to be done!!!

All of you ladies here are courageous!!!

You give me the strength to face this fight and come out swinging!

I will get through my surgery God willing and go through treatment and recovery!!!

I didn't plan on this detour on this part of my journey but I have come this far and I'm not giving up now!!!

First, I stand up for me because I deserve my best!

Second, I stand up for my kids because I am their teacher and they are watching!

Last but by no means least, I stand up for all of you......

Because I share this walk and battle with you!!!

Once again God bless each of you on this thread!!!!

I hope this helps Audrey.

Welcome to all of you who have joined us here.

I have my moments that tears flow, I get a knot in my gut and I get scared!

Then I read all the posts from all the ladies who have gone before me and I get strength and encouragement!!

Thank you all!!!

Love Your February Surgery Sister,

Robin

Just got back from my BS follow up appointment and my lymph nodes were clear, so no further treatment needed! They did find a little more DCIS in the same breast, which just confirms for me that I made the right decision to do mastectomy. Dr. did confirm for me that the first surgeon I went to for the biopsy should not be in practice any more. He did a stereotactic biopsy which according to him showed "pre-cancer" (never said DCIS even though when I saw the path report later on it said DCIS high grade). he then told me that I needed a surgical biopsy, which I didn't question because I guess it sounded plausible. He essentially did a lumpectomy leaving me with a 3 inch scar and then told me that it too showed "pre-cancer" but that the margins weren't big enough so I would need another excisional biopsy. At that point I asked about DCIS and he admitted that's what it was. I also asked about a mastectomy and he agreed that it was an option, but that he no longer did them. At that point I found my surgeon in NYC who said that if I had a diagnosis with the stereotactic biopsy, I never needed the surgical biopsy. First doctor never discussed my options with me and had he done that I would have told him immediately that I wanted a mastectomy. His scar then had to be incorporated into the new mastectomy scar, so much more skin had to be removed and my scar now is a little bigger than it would otherwise have been. The plastic surgeon has done a great job so far and he's sure he can get my breast to the right size and shape. I'm just so angry at the first surgeon and if he thinks I'm paying his bill he's got another thing coming! The moral of the story is to question everything and to get a second opinion. Thankfully all worked out in the end for me and I can work on healing and getting to my new final, perky boobs

AudreyB--

Sounds like the pathology on the biopsies was discordant with the imaging findings so they needed to go in and get more tissue to make sure. Crossing my fingers for you. It sucks. But no matter what, somehow we get through it, which is amazing to me.

Hoping my drain is going today. I was down to 40 ccs for the past two days and this morning it looks like less than 10 ccs are in it. Can't wait to take a shower.

Ugh... Feeling nauseous and fatigued today. How are you all feeling? Send some prayers up for me please... so ready to feel normal again! Shelly

I had my post op appointment today with the PS. One drain out, the other stays until my next appointment on Tuesday. The drain removal was not painful, she had me inhale on a 3 count then exhale and she pulled it out. I had been anxious about it but it was ok. Off pain meds, on Tylenol plus Xanax to help me sleep through the night. Next focus is having good biopsy results on Tuesday, and the other drain out.

Hope you are all doing well!

Hi AudreyB,

I have been thinking of you, how you were doing.

I think in most cases the lumpectomy's purpose is to get out the cancer and save the breast. In my case, my surgeon was not able to get clear margins and the pathology report from lumpectomy showed much more cancer than originally was thought based on mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and MRI. Originally they thought I had DCIS only. Pathology report showed that in addition to extensive DCIS I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which was also multifocal. In this case the doctors decided that the only good outcome for me could be achieved by mastectomy.

Done with my surgery !! My very first surgery !!

Lumpectomy and partial axillary dissection with axillary reverse mapping !! I Am back home and i actually feel great .

Pathology report in 3 weeks , long time but keeping my thoughts positive .

Good luck ladies ..positive thoughts to you all .

Lina

it has been an eventful few weeks. First, On February 3rd I had my BMX with teplacement. I removed the bandages the day after the operation as instructed by the doctor only to find that my TE's had slid into my armpits. I was in a lot of pain because of this.

then, a few days later, I got my pathology report and found out that I have or had DCIS and LCS which is a stage 0 cancer instead of the stage 2 or 3 that they had warned me about prior to surgery. My two tumors had agrade 1 & 3 with the grade 1 being the smaller of the masses. Anyway all is good and the margins are clear and no more treatment except the hormone pills.

then I went in to get my TE's fixed.the surgery all went fine and I went home with my handy dandy bottle of percocets. I have never been in this much pain for this long in my life. I say that after having several surgeries and a c-section. But on a good note, my TE's are fixed and I just have to wait for the pain to subside. So all will be well soon.Good luck to all of you getting ready to have your surgeries and I pray quick healing for all of you. Gentle hugs Amy

it does get better in a week. But mine did not completely go away. You know yours might be back to normal in a week. Glad you are out of surgery and everything is good. Hugs Amy

I'm thinking good thoughts for all of you. I'm trying to have a meditation, rather than medication, day.

Jonijess!!!!!!!!! Now I am even more happy for you. I looked up aLh. I have so much to learn here. I don't want to go crazy looking at every possible diagnosis as the little I do know has seriously put me over the edge.

I'm on my xanax today and will be tomorrow too. I do believe I will get a call from the Dr tomorrow.

Hi everyone, I hope all our February ladies continue to make a great recovery and that your discomfort lessens everyday.

Justamy- I am so happy that you continue to recovery and with a positive outcome. I hope you continue to make a quick recovery with no new complications. The pain meds stink. I hope the pain starts to get better.

Jonijess - I am thrilled to read your good news. I am so glad the waiting is over.Whew!! I can't wait to hear more good news.

Ksusan- I try everyday to have a meditation day and not a medication day. I'm not very successful at it. lol

mhenz- Great news! I hope that drain gets removed asap.

Loulee - I am hoping that was your first and last surgery. I am sending you positive thoughts.

Jilly59- I was a breast dense girl and my bmx surgery took longer than expected because of it. You are in my thoughts and I am hoping that you make a speedy recovery. The information here is so powerful. We will be with you throughout your recovery, cheering you along.

Justajennifer- I'm hoping you get good test results and the other drain out on Tuesday. YAY to being off the pain meds.

Shelly74- I hope you start to feel better and get smoe rest. I am Lifting you in prayer.

Fourminor- I remember wishing my 6 drains would get down to 30. If it is not too dark and has a good color they can take it at the 10. I was happy to get rid of those final drains. I hope your fluid gets light and less in time for your next appt.

Patty- So glad to hear that you finished up with chemo. Good luck on your upcoming appt and please bring a notebook to write down information and bring questions. I hope you are supported by medical professionals that take their time to listen to your thoughts, desires and provide you with all the available options. It's ever too early to get a sceond opinon. Please let us know how it goes. I will be thinking of you.

I was so happy to sign on here tonight and read so many positive and good things.

Hi Sisters,

I too am glad hear all the good news!

I know I have said it before, but you ladies all give me such strength.

I think of you all often throughout the day!

I am praying for peace, healing, humor, friendships, comfort and speedy recoveries for all!

Have a good night ladies!

Love Robin

Nurseshark, thank you. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and praying for an easy surgery and recovery for you.

Jilly59, I'll be praying for an easy surgery and recovery for you too.

JustAmy...oh my gosh!!!!!!!! This sounds like good news! So very happy for you.