August 2013 Surgeries

Options
1…3435363739

Comments

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited February 2015

    that sucks Kbeee. stay strong ladies.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Just catching up on this thread to see how the August 2013 ladies are doing and I was sick to read the news from both Babs and Karen.  God does this cancer ever just take a break?  I hate to think of the stress and anxiety you must be dealing with.  I am sending you huge cyber hugs and gentle prayers.  I so wish I could do more, help more, say something meaningful. I am just crying like crazy as I type because it hurts to see cancer come back and interfere with your hard-earned progress.  I am in awe in the strength you show in your writings on this board.  You women are so much braver that I will ever be.  Thank you for sharing.  It always helps others, always.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    Thanks ladies, for your support. It's taken over 2 weeks, but things are finally in place. Both my doctors here and the ones at Mayo are perplexed. Because I had such an early stage tumor with no lymph node involvement and a low oncotype last time, and treated it aggressively with BMX and chemo, followed by tamoxifen, they all kept saying the same thing..."this should not have come back, these just don't come back, not this soon." The tumor pathology is different this time so none of them can say if it is a local recurrence or a new primary in the same spot. I don't think we'll ever know. I have a PET scan on Friday. Next Wednesday I have further excision of the area where the cancer was, to check the skin and muscle and make sure the margins are clear. They will do another sentinel node biopsy then as well. I then will be having my ovaries out. because I failed on Tamoxifen, I need to go on an AI. After a month to heal, I will begin radiation. Unless surgery shows spread or node involvement, or the PET scan shows something, they are not going to do chemo. That's the plan...for today. It seems to change every day!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Karen, I am so pleased to hear you have such an awesome team put together for your care.  You are so smart to have two sets of eyes look your situation over because it does seem almost like a mistake.  A small tumor with a clean node and you then chose to hit it so hard; this not only seems crazy but wrong.  Thank goodness you are on top of this.  I am so sorry that you can't put it behind you just yet, but you will.  Keep us posted. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    I kept hoping this would be a mistake. It doesn't make sense. I hope you are doing ok with all of this. It must be a nightmare to think of going through all this again. So sorry it is happening to you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    My PS had them double check that they had the right patient; he was so sure they were wrong! I actually always had a gut feeling it was going to come back (just not this soon). I rarely get strong gut feelings like that, but when I do, they have never, ever been wrong. I am just really excited that they are doing all of the surgeries at the same time. It took some serious negotiating to get that done. Don't ever be afraid to ask for what you want. I am also really happy that chemo does not seem to be in the plans... for now. They are going to do frozen sections of the areas they excise to check for cancer; just as they do with the lymph nodes. That way they will take only what they need. Mayo recommended that, so I got the doc here to agree to that. I absolutely love my new MO here, so all is falling into place nicely. Just an extra little surprise detour in the road.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    I always admired your attitude. You get er done. Still not fair. I'm relieved to hear that there are no plans for chemo and you will kick this too but pisses me off that you have to. grrrr. Take care. Hugs from Canada.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Wrenn! How have you been doing???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    Hi Karen, I have been very lucky. I had a bit of neuropathy which is getting better so the only thing really physically that I notice is that I got nice hair out of the ordeal. I always wanted curly hair and got it.

    The anxiety is my only obstacle and I wonder if that ever goes away? I have a friend with multiple myeloma and she is in a panic over a possible cyst on her breast. We sometimes laugh over every little thing being the cancer back but when you see so many cases of it actually coming back no wonder. I am so sorry your fears were real. Although I know you will be fine I also know that it is a nightmare regardless of how easy the routines and treatments are. The fact that you were 'done' so recently makes it so much worse.

    Another thing that makes it easier for me is that I am almost 70 with a daughter who is about to be married to a man I really love so I don't have to worry about her. I can't imagine taking all the crap you have been dealt while having children at home.

    I have 3 nephews who are paramedics (2 paramedic/firefighters) and two who are firefighters alone and I know they have great work teams so I imagine you having that support to turn to but they don't have cancer let alone recurrence so you must feel pretty alone sometimes. I am keeping you in my version of prayers and hope you can do this again without too much of a struggle. Take care of yourself.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Karen, you sure got things in place quickly.  Good for you.  So will you have a complete hysterectomy along with the tissue removal?  It sounds like your body just did not metabolize the Tamoxifen.  This seems to be a very smart course correction. Thank god for the experienced docs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    coffe, I think they are just taking the ovaries and tubes, but I will be very clear that if anything at all looks suspicious with the uterus, it can go too; just another girl part to get cancer someday

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited February 2015

    Hi All

    The past 2 weeks have been totally crazy! When I went to my MO after my new diagnosis, the meeting was basically gloom and doom. She was putting me on faslodex, didn't think I needed to biopsy the right axilla lymph nodes that were enlarged since she would be treating me anyway and really didn't offer me much hope other than she would "manage" my condition. No chemo, no radiation no surgeries just management-scary!!!!

    Went to MSKCC this week and what a world of difference. First of all, the MO was happy that my Ca took 2 1/2 years to come back, happy that the ca lymph nodes are very small and thrilled that I was the perfect candidate for the Ibrance/Femara combo (my MO thought I was NOT a candidate!) I am also going into a study called the Impact Assay study where they single out over 400 genomes so they can target therapies specifically for me Plus, if need be, she did not rule out chemo in the future. She is going to biopsy my rt axilla lymph node to make sure my recurrence is regional and not widespread. I walked out of there 100 lbs lighter. Even my daughter said that I sound like myself again! I am so very happy I went to Sloane. ( I did go to them the last time but they said the same exact thing as my MO so the Dr at Sloane said I should stay with my MO since she was closer to home and it would be easier on my body.

    I am still nervous but much more optimistic that I will beat the shit out of this damned cancer.

    Babs


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited February 2015

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Karen, I hope your PET scan went well yesterday and that you can relax to know you are one more step along in the process.  Maybe you can enjoy some portion of your weekend.

    Bravo Babs for having the strength to get a second opinion instead of going with the familiar of the MO.  It can't be emphasized enough how important, and often life saving, a second opinion can be for us.  I am so pleased to read you have found a caring medical team.

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    PET scan was clear as far as MO could see. Radiologist had not read it. I will try to get a copy tomorrow. Surgery is Wednesday. It is a little more nerve wrecking this time. In previous surgeries I knew the outcome. This time, if resection of the area shows more cancer, I may end up with little pec muscle left. If nodes (which we think are negative) end up positive, I could end up with ALND, if ovaries have cysts or uterus looks at all odd, I may end up with hysterectomy instead of just ovaries out. So many unknowns. I will feel better when this next step is done. I'll also feel one step (well, 3 steps) closer to the finish line...again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited February 2015

    Karen

    So glad the PET scan was clear!!!! That's good for one deep breath out. Hoping for no surprises for you and that you have the easiest surgery in each case!

    Sending hugs,

    Babs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Karen, you certainly have a big day coming up.  I am praying for your good news and easy recovery.  I am hoping it is very minimal, clear margins right off the bat and ovaries out for good measure.  Once you are done having the babies, I think it is a good thing to get those out to reduce the risk of cancer.  I felt that way in 2003 (age 46) when mine were taken out. You've got this girlfriend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    Thinking of you Karen.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ndgrrl
    ndgrrl Member Posts: 741
    edited February 2015

    I will be having my ovaries out next Tuesday as they have decided to grow the size of baseballs and my CA125 cancer marker test is elevated, I will also have hernia surgery at this time.  I am 46 and really freaked out about surgical menopause and going on an AI drug.  I still have to have another fat grafting for reconstruction on my breast , was supposed to be in March but since I am having surgery the old fashioned abdominal way because of the ovary size I am not sure when he will be able to do the lipo on my tummy for the fat he needs for my breast- UFFF.. 

    I keep feeling my body is failing me one piece at a time. blaaaa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited February 2015

    Kbeee, thinking of you and wishing you a successful surgery tomorrow! Praying they do not have to take pec muscle and that nodes are negative!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    Thanks ladies. ndgrrl, I hope your surgery goes well. On my 40th birthday, my friends who's a couple years older than me told me that it's all down hill as far as health. I never realized the slope was so steep! Let us know how you're doing.


    I will try to post a surgery update sometime late Wednesday or early Thursday, depending how coherent I am.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    good luck KBeee, the slope doesn't really get steep until 60. Hoping for smooth sailing for you after the latest nightmare. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Take care

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coffeelatte
    coffeelatte Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2015


    Hoping the day has gone really well for KBeee.  Maybe by now the surgery is over and she is on the road to recovery.  I sure hope so; you have been through so much.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    Thinking of you KBeee and have a feeling you are feeling ok in spite of what you are having to deal with. I hope your recovery goes well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited February 2015

    Thinking of you Kbee and hoping all went better than expected!!!!!

    Please keep us updated. We're all there with you.

    Babs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited February 2015

    Kbee you are in my prayers as well. I hope the results are what you want and recovery goes smoothly.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ndgrrl
    ndgrrl Member Posts: 741
    edited February 2015


    Kbee- I hope your surgery went well!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2015

    Node was positive, so chemo is in the cards. I know that sounds bad, but my very strong gut feeling was that this tumor is resistant to hormonal meds. About 5 times in my life, I have had strong gut feelings that went against everything every doctor said; my gut feelings have. never been wrong and following my gut has saved both my life and my daughter's life. My gut feeling was that if I do not do chemo, I will be stage 4 in 2 years. So though I. hate chemo, I am relieved that I will be getting the correct treatment to save my life. I am stayIng overnight and will go home tommorrow

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited February 2015

    Hi Karen

    I'm a believer in going with your gut and chemo is the means to an end-in more ways than one! I know you'll hang tough with the chemo!

    Babs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited February 2015

    Kbee so sorry for the positive node. I am in awe of your courage. I will pray for your strength to battle this again. I hope the ovaries are clean. Get your rest and keep us up to date on your progress.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories