February 2015 surgery

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Yes it sounds like good news to me too! I will have to wait to celebrate until after all this pain is over!

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  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited February 2015

    NurseShark, good luck tomorrow!!!

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2015

    nurseshark and jilly59, I'll be right there with you tomorrow too! Good luck

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Good Luck Nurseshark and Jilly! I'll be sending up prayers for both of you. Hugs Amy

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  • JustAJennifer
    JustAJennifer Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2015

    quite a few surgeries today and tomorrow, prayers to all for healthy outcomes and healing.

    Audreyb- my only detection was stage 1 invasive ductal 1cm that showed on US but not mammo. I had a lumpectomy and node biopsy. Node was clear, margins around the invasive cancer were clear, but they ran into DCIS, stage "0" or precancer not seen on imaging due to density. I had a second lumpectomy to obtain clear margins for DCIS which they did not get. Next had an MRI which showed a large area suspicious for DCIS beyond the cavity across my lower breast. Next anMRI guided biopsy to prove it was DCIS, which it was.

    Looking back, I should have had an MRI initially. My surgeon was 50/50 on it and would have done it if I'd wanted. That would have saved me two surgeries. But I really wanted to save my breast and thought I had enough to work with.

    In the end, the stage 0 precancer DCIS took my breast, while the stage 1 invasive was treated with only a lumpectomy. There's such an irony in that, I'm not sure I'll ever get over it. I asked my surgeon why there isn't a better solution for widespread DCIS and she said the money goes toward the life threatening cancers, as it probably should. She told me I should start a research initiative myself. Maybe I will

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  • dancingdiva
    dancingdiva Member Posts: 475
    edited February 2015

    dense breasts and mri....they should be mandatory. I had mammograms and USs and they only saw my tumor partially. Which goes to answer ur question Audrey I had a lumpectomy because they saw 3 cm on the U.S., which turned out to be more after lumpectomy. So then I decided to do BMX after chemo.

    I have had drains in for a week and the liquid is still red. Is this normal?

    I still can't get into and out of bed.


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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2015

    Nurseshark- I hope you are getting some rest or maybe your last midnight snack. :D I am hope you have an easy recovery and i look forward to you checking with all of us. We will all be thinking of you tomorrow.

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  • waiting-to-exhale
    waiting-to-exhale Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2015

    good luck to everyone about to have surgery tomorrow. You are in my thoughts.

    Is anyone else getting trapped in really awkward conversations about your cancer? I just went to my haiirdresser to start transitioning my hair shorter for chemo. The hairdresser told me "dont worry, no one dies of cancer anymore, especially not breast cancer". She then proceeded to tell everyone she's ever known who has had cancer, with at least half of them dying from it. At work, my boss asked me to consider not having surgery and to look into alternative therapies instead.

    I remind myself that everyone means well. But I have been trapped in so many awkward conversations in the last two weeks.

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  • faithhopecourage
    faithhopecourage Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2015

    Good morning ladies. I am new to this group and it would be an honor to share in this sisterhood. I am having a bilateral mastectomy on 2/18/15. I was diagnosed on 1/7 and the waiting for surgery has been difficult. I am anxious and nervous and appreciate that I can share my feelings with those who truly understand.

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2015

    Dancingdiva- we must have been posting at the same time last night. Yes, red is normal. Are you milking the lines? You need to milk the lines to get the old crap in the bulb so fresh stuff gets to move down the line. Some of my tissue or whatever it was was very red and would keep darkening the liquid coming through the line. I had 6 bulbs and this pic was taken about an hour after milking the line. As you can see of the liquid is very red almost black (old blood from linemixing with fresh liquid). Anyway, all those colors were normal. I would take pictures and show the surgeon every week. I was also told that if it gets very dark, I needed to sit down, drain the line and if it continued after an hour call them back. I hope this info helped.image


    Waiting to - how terrily awkward. I am sorry that people do not think before they speak. I am sure that they are just trying to help, but they should learn that silence is golden.

    FaithHope - Welcome! You will quickly learn that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here. I hope you find it to be a supportive, encouraging forum where you can come to share your journey. I can always find someone who is going through or went through what I am about to endure here. The best thing is that it's here, 24 hrs a day, when you are nervous, anxious, disappointed and happy. We are here to listen and share. There is also a great feature of private messages, if you would like to cotact a member with a question, that you would prefer not to post. Thhinking of you.

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited February 2015

    Faithhopecourage - welcome to the community. I have been coming here almost every day since my diagnosis and found a lot of helpful information. got some encouraging messages from the ladies when I was feeling down, got some practical questions asked and formed friendships. These boards are a great help, even though I despise the reason why I ended up here.

    Waiting-to-exhale - yes, I've heard some awkward comments too. As Roadrash said - people probably mean well, they just don't know what to say. I believe that there is even a whole discussion topic going on these boards about the most outrageous things people say to you about cancer. I haven't checked it out, but read in another string about it.

    When I read what your boss said to you - my jaw dropped. That is a very irresponsible thing to say to somebody, in my opinion. She (he?) is encouraging you to experiment with your health! Of course, I don't know details about your employment situation and maybe your boss is just a big fan of alternative medicine, but from where I sit, I would question a motive behind such comment, since it's coming from your boss.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2015

    Waiting for the phone to ring. I should be getting a call from my BS today. I am on a rollercoaster of emotions. Very restless and anxious and agitated and scared.

    Just a little about who I am. I will be 55 in July. I have a beautiful 31 year old daughter. I got out of a horrible 30 year marriage. I am a Weight Watcher member and lost 87 lbs. I have run 5 half marathons. Two years ago I met the most wonderful man. He changed my life and I changed his. He proposed last year on Valentines Day. We live together on Long Island. We have faced and survived some crazy stuff together but nothing like this. He is wonderfully supportive, has been with me for most Dr apts. I have a sister who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor.

    My life is good and I have so much to be thankful for. I don't know what my future holds but I do know I will get through it surrounded by a ton of love and support. image

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    Audrey - what a beautiful picture! You sure have had your share of tough times, but is sounds like you have a great guy and a lot of support. Good luck with the report from your BS!

    JustAmy - I'm glad that things are improving for you.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2015

    I called my surgeon. Path reports are not in yet. I am so angry but its actually a pleasant change of emotions.

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  • Jonijess
    Jonijess Member Posts: 15
    edited February 2015

    Audrey, I got out of school today and came right here to check to see if you had any news. I can't believe they don't have your results yet! That just means more thinking and praying for good news next week. Thanks for sharing your picture, I can see that you have a great support system no matter what.

    Justamy, congratulations on your good news. That's wonderful.

    I will be thinking about everyone who is recovering from or facing surgery in the days ahead. Best wishes to all!

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    so, my 2 remaining drains did not come out today, which means my family leaves on Sunday for Mexico without me :( My PS finally took pity on me and told me that if the drains come out on Tuesday, he will let me travel on Wednesday to meet up with everyone. A few days of sun, warmth and being with my family is really something I could use right now, especially since I'm essentially feeling good - no problem with traveling from a physical standpoint. I think it will be worse to have to sit alone on my couch when I feel fine. Anyone have any suggestions for how to get my body to stop producing fluid?!!!

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2015

    Jabec- how much liquid are u producing a day. Generally, those drains are removed when they are get under 25-30ml. Also, my ps told me to stop being so busy. The more active I was during the day, the more fluid my body seemed to produce. What color is the last 2 drains putting out? Is it very dark or getting lighter. I hope you get to meet up with your family.

    Audrey= You are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your photo. I signed on right after work to see if you got your good news. :D Hang in there. The waiting is so tough.

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    i am so frustrated. I tried to go out today and I just can't do it. I was going to Walmart and made two short stops and had to go home. So sick of being sick. I also out of percocet, or at least nearly. Still in really bad pain. I could have gotten more but I would have had to drive an hour to get the script. narcotic pain medicine can't be called in to the pharmacy in Missouri. So I will be suffering through it with ibuprofen tylenol and Aleve. I see the doctor on Monday just ready to feel halfway like myself again. Sigh...

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    Just Amy - I'm so sorry that you are still in so much pain! Totally not fair! I hope that over the weekend you really start to improve. I think we are all frustrated at some point - I know I am! hang in there

    Roadrash - One of my drains was at 32 yesterday and the other was at 42. The color is pretty clear. The PS said that he's 95% confident that the drains will come out on Tuesday, but he also told me in the hospital that generally thinner women produce less fluid. I weigh 100 pounds, so clearly that's not true in all cases. I am going to try to take it as easy as possible the next 3 days and hope by Tuesday the numbers really come down.

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  • JustAJennifer
    JustAJennifer Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2015

    jabec- I'm positive you'll be fine by Tuesday, and hooray you'll get to go!! I have one stubborn drain which also will hopefully come out Tuesday.

    Faithhopecourage- welcome!! This is a godsend of a community, so many amazing women who support one another.

    Justamy- you just had surgery again, you're brave to even try venturing out!

    Audreyb- love seeing the real "you" beyond the cancer profile we all share. That was wonderful to read.

    Regarding drain color- my nurse said "fruit punch good. Red wine bad."

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited February 2015

    AudreyB, lovely photo! So sorry you didn't get your results.

    Jabec, that is upsetting that you cannot leave with your family on vacation. Hopefully you get to go on Wednesday. Something to look forward to.

    Justamy, I'm sorry you are still in so much pain. I hope each day it will get better.

    Ladies, I hope you all have peaceful, pain-free weekend

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  • Melanie-C
    Melanie-C Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2015

    I can't believe how much it helps to read all of your stories. I am 46 and scheduled for bilateral mastectomy surgery with immediate expander we construction on Tuesday, February 17. The last couple of days of been really difficult and I've been really afraid.hearing your stories; knowing that other people have gone through it or are going through it makes me feel not

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  • dancingdiva
    dancingdiva Member Posts: 475
    edited February 2015

    roadrash...what is milking the lines? clearing them up? howdo you do that?

    jabec...hope u can go on vacation....leaving will do some good

    justamy...know how u r feeling....just fed up. my back kills from either sitting too much or lying down too much. how r u girls sleeping? hubby has to put me down and raise me up in the morning. and i wake up so sore from lying in one position.

    audrey...nice pic

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited February 2015

    Well I went with hubby to the valentine dance at church tonight, shingles and all and had a ball! Danced the evening away with hubby and friends. I felt human for awile and joyful. So grateful for the reminder thaat there's life after cancer. I am asking my dear Lord for a little splash of joy for each one of you. Love, Jean

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2015

    Thank you all!!!!

    Welcome Melanie C

    Jonijess, I was so upset. I set myself up today to stay as calm as I could. I xanaxed, lit candles and just waited. By 2 my daughter and sister were texting me to call the Dr office. When I did and found out path wasn't in yet I was so upset. I was so angry my hands were shaking. But like I said, I realized I liked being angry. For a while anyway. Results are out of my control. And I was not angry with the nurse who took my call. I got mad when I hung up.

    Now I have to wait a whole weekend. I'm still in a lot of discomfort from surgery so I can't even go out driving around to keep myself occupied. This is maddening.

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2015

    zjrosenthal- Good for you and hubby! I'm glad you are feeling better and embracing moments of feeling good. :D

    Melanie- Welcome Melanie. There are so many supportive people who are really willing to listen and help. I spent many nights reading the discussion board before my bilateral and it was a tremendous help.


    Dancin Diva - MIlking the lines helps to move the tissue that blocks the drains and helps to get those really dark formations in your line. My ps was over the top about keeping up on it. Those lines can really stretch and it gets easier to coordinate the more you do it.

    I included this really good step by step on how to do it. http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education...


    Jabec- you sound like you will definitely have the drains out by Tuesday.Fairly clear or light is excellent! My doctor took out the last two lines when I was at 35ml & 30ml. The last two never got below 30 & 35 (always stayed really pink) and I had them for weeks. You have really healed quickly and it's been less than 2 weeks so you are doing great.You have a few more days, try to take it easy and milk your line. :D

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  • waiting-to-exhale
    waiting-to-exhale Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2015

    just amy- i hope you are still hanging in there tonight. Hopefully you will start feeling better tomorrow.

    Audrey-we all know how brutal waiting for the results and possible diagnosis is. Those were my darkest days so far. I was on ativan constantly just to get through each day and night. My fingers are crossed for you to get b9 results early monday morning.

    Jean-what a great sounding night out. A perfect distraction. I am going out for dinner with my husband tomorrow (no kids). I think I will actually be able to enjoy myself. It will probably be the first time in two months.

    Good night everyone. Welcome Melanie.

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited February 2015

    For those of you who are done with surgery, how long after was your post op. appointment with your surgeon? Mine seens an unreasonably long wait and I want to discern if I'm overreacting. Thanks, Love, Jean

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    HI Jean - I saw my PS 7 days after surgery, my BS 8 days after surgery (that's when I got pathology results) and my PS again 10 days after surgery.

    Audrey - deep breaths and maybe some valium? to get through the weekend. How frustrating not to have the results yet! There is so much on this journey that is frustrating, but we are all strong and will get through it.

    throughout this journey I'm reminded of the title of a book from I think the 70's called "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden". I never read the book, but my mom must have had it on her nightstand when I was growing up. I feel it fits my situation perfectly - no one ever said life would be easy, but it is what you make of it. Good wishes, gentle hugs and a peaceful, healing weekend to everyone.

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    Post Op day one..pretty sore but able to move around. Had nerve blocks so I slept comfortable...started to wear off....getting discharged home ...still groggy from meds.

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